Mtsvadi
Mtsvadi Recipe: Delicious Georgian Lamb Skewers with Onions and Tomatoes
Introduction
Mtsvadi, also known as shaslik, is a traditional Georgian dish that consists of marinated and grilled skewered meat. This dish is popular in many countries in the Caucasus region and is often enjoyed during outdoor gatherings and celebrations.
History
Mtsvadi has a long history in Georgian cuisine and is believed to have originated in ancient times when meat was cooked over an open flame. The dish has evolved over the years, with different regions adding their own unique flavors and ingredients to the recipe.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Cut the meat into pieces approximately 5 cm square. Season with salt, pepper, finely sliced onion, and vinegar (or a teaspoon of lemon juice).
- Cover the meat with a lid and let it marinate in a cool place for 2 to 3 hours.
- About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, thread the marinated meat onto skewers, alternating with sliced onion.
- Grill the shaslik over a charcoal fire, turning frequently, until the meat is tender.
- Remove the meat from the skewers.
- Drizzle melted butter over the meat and garnish with green onions, tomatoes, and lemon slices.
- Serve with ground dry barberries or pomegranate juice, and sour plum sauces.
Variations
- Use chicken or beef instead of lamb for a different flavor.
- Add bell peppers and mushrooms to the skewers for a colorful and tasty twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to marinate the meat for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Use the best quality loin of lamb for the most tender and flavorful mtsvadi.
- Grill the skewers over a charcoal fire for that authentic smoky flavor.
- Serve the mtsvadi with traditional Georgian sauces like ground dry barberries or pomegranate juice for an added burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mtsvadi with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, and warm bread.
Cooking Techniques
Grill the skewers over a charcoal fire for that authentic smoky flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use white vinegar instead of lemon juice for the marinade.
Make Ahead Tips
You can marinate the meat overnight for even more flavor.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the mtsvadi on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the mtsvadi with a glass of Georgian red wine for a perfect match.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 300 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 5g per serving
Fats
Fats: 15g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Mtsvadi is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
Allergens: None
Summary
Mtsvadi is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a balanced diet.
Summary
Mtsvadi is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for outdoor gatherings and celebrations. With its tender and juicy meat, smoky flavor, and traditional Georgian sauces, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Tbilisi, Georgia. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was a wonderful cook and she had a knack for finding the most delicious recipes from all over the world.
One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she handed me a tattered old cookbook. It was filled with all sorts of recipes from different countries, but one in particular caught my eye - Mtsvadi, a traditional Georgian dish made with marinated meat cooked over an open flame. My grandmother told me that this was a recipe that had been passed down through generations of our family, and she wanted me to learn how to make it.
I eagerly set to work, following the instructions in the cookbook to marinate the meat in a mixture of vinegar, oil, garlic, and herbs. As the meat soaked up the flavors, I could already imagine the mouthwatering aroma that would fill our kitchen once it hit the grill.
When it was time to cook the Mtsvadi, my grandmother showed me how to skewer the meat and place it over the roaring flames of our outdoor grill. The sizzle of the meat as it hit the heat made my stomach growl with anticipation. I watched as the meat slowly cooked to perfection, the juices dripping down onto the coals below.
Finally, it was time to eat. My grandmother served up the Mtsvadi with a side of fresh salad and warm bread. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of pure culinary bliss. The tender meat, infused with the flavors of the marinade, was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was a dish that spoke to my soul, a taste of home that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.
From that day on, Mtsvadi became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or just for a simple Sunday dinner. Each time she made it, she would pass down her knowledge and love for the dish to me, ensuring that I would always remember how to make it just right.
As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe for Mtsvadi, adding my own personal touches and twists to make it truly my own. I experimented with different cuts of meat, varied the marinades, and even tried cooking it over different types of wood for a unique smoky flavor.
But no matter how many times I made it, the taste of that first Mtsvadi always remained the same - a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down to me from my grandmother. And as I sit here now, reminiscing on that day so long ago, I am grateful for the gift she gave me - the gift of a delicious recipe that has brought joy and comfort to my family for generations to come.
Categories
| Georgian Meat Dishes | Georgian Recipes | Lamb Recipes | Skewer Recipes | Tomato Recipes |