Latin American Style Souvlaki

Ingredients

While the original Greek souvlaki is traditionally made with marinated pork or chicken, this Latin American adaptation introduces a variety of Latin American spices and flavors. The marinade incorporates ingredients like cumin, paprika, and lime juice, giving the meat a tangy and smoky taste. Additionally, the traditional tzatziki sauce is replaced with a vibrant salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless pork or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless pork or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the pork or chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell pepper.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the Latin American Style Souvlaki with a side of vibrant salsa and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork or chicken — Ensure that the meat is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Lime juice — Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their aroma and flavor.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling will prevent them from burning.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before chopping.
• Serve the Latin American Style Souvlaki with warm tortillas or as a filling for tacos for a complete Latin American experience.
• Experiment with different meats such as beef or shrimp for a variety of flavors.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a hot skillet or under the broiler.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American Style Souvlaki as a main dish, accompanied by warm tortillas, rice, and beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, placing them diagonally for an appealing visual presentation. Serve the vibrant salsa in a separate bowl alongside the skewers for dipping or drizzling.