Arab-style Souvlaki

Ingredients

While the Greek Souvlaki traditionally uses lemon juice and oregano, our Arab-style Souvlaki incorporates a blend of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and sumac. Additionally, we infuse the marinade with garlic and yogurt, adding a creamy and tangy element to the dish. The result is a tantalizing fusion of Greek and Arab flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or lamb, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or lamb, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, sumac, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken or lamb cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and nicely charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. 7.
   Serve the Arab-style Souvlaki hot with a side of Arabic flatbread, hummus, and a fresh salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken or lamb — Ensure the meat is cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of ground cumin.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
• Marinating the meat overnight enhances the flavors and tenderness.
• Serve the Arab-style Souvlaki with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
• If using wooden skewers, make sure to oil them lightly before threading the ingredients to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with different vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for added variety.

Serving advice

Serve the Arab-style Souvlaki as a main course alongside Arabic flatbread, a refreshing salad, and a dollop of creamy hummus. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an extra 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 side of hummus and a sprinkle of sumac for an enticing presentation.