Middle Eastern Chicken Skewers Food

MIDDLE EASTERN CHICKEN SKEWERS

Steps:

• If using bamboo skewers, place them in a shallow bowl of water to soak. Coat grill grates with oil or high-heat cooking spray.
• Heat the grill on high ( or load with charcoal & start fire to grey-coated coals & hot heat).
• In a large zip-close plastic bag, combine the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, mustard powder and salt. Close the bag and shake to blend the seasonings.
• Place the chicken in the bag, then add the olive oil.
• Close the bag, gently pressing out any air.
• Gently knead the chicken, working the seasonings and oil so it thoroughly coats all of the meat. (I plan to toss it in the fridge overnight at this point).
• Place a chicken tender on each skewer. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the meat reaches at least 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.

MIDDLE EASTERN BEEF KABOBS

Steps:

• Once your meat and veggies have been prepped let the skewering fun begin! Thread a piece of green pepper onto the skewer. Follow it with a cube of beef, then one half of a preserved lemon, a couple of pieces of red onion, another piece of beef, a piece of red pepper and cap it with a mushroom. Repeat the process with the rest of the skewers. Set all of the kabobs into a roasting pan in one layer and set aside.
• Place the remaining ingredients in a medium sized bowl and whisk until well incorporated. Pour the mixture over the kabobs and refrigerate 1 hour.
• Preheat an outdoor charcoal or gas grill to high heat. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook 3 minutes per side. Remove and serve immediately or let cool, pack 'em up and take them on a picnic.
• Serve with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce.
• Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse several times to make a chunky sauce.

CHICKEN KEBABS

Steps:

• Mix the yogurt, oil, lemon juice, oregano, coriander, paprika, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl until fully blended. Add the chicken and mix to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
• Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill for cooking over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, about 5 pieces per skewer, taking care not to pack the chicken pieces too tightly.
• Grill the skewers until the chicken is cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should register 165 degrees F), about 4 minutes per side. Serve immediately.

CHICKEN KABOBS IN A MIDDLE EASTERN MARINADE

Steps:

• Puree the garlic, onion, spices, lemon juice and yogurt in the container of a blender or food processor.
• Place the chicken in a non-aluminum container and cover with the marinade. Turn well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours.
• Preheat the broiler or make a charcoal fire.
• Thread the chicken on skewers, brush with a little oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side for thigh meat, 3 to 4 minutes per side for breast meat. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.