Russian-inspired Grilled Meat Skewers

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless meat (pork or lamb), cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) boneless meat (pork or lamb), cut into chunks
• 2 bell peppers, cut into squares 2 bell peppers, cut into squares
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 zucchini, sliced 1 zucchini, sliced
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms 200g (7 oz) mushrooms
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano) 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, vinegar, vegetable oil, paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the meat chunks in a large ziplock bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that all the meat is coated evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, alternating with the vegetables.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled meat skewers with a side of fresh salad or rice pilaf for a complete meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Meat — Choose lean cuts of pork or lamb for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before marinating to reduce the overall fat content.
• Vegetables — Ensure that the vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, brush the skewers with the marinade while grilling.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, eggplant, or pineapple for a unique twist.
• Serve the skewers with a dollop of tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.
• If grilling is not an option, these skewers can also be cooked in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the grilled meat skewers hot off the grill, accompanied by a side of fresh salad or rice pilaf. Garnish with chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the grilled meat and vegetables to shine through. Serve with a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil for an attractive presentation.