Shish Taouq

Shish Taouq Recipe - Lebanese and Turkish Chicken Dish

Region / culture: Lebanon, Turkey | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Shish Taouq is a popular Middle Eastern dish that consists of marinated and grilled chicken skewers. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a family dinner.

History

Shish Taouq has its origins in Lebanon and Syria, where it is a staple dish in many households. The name "Shish Taouq" translates to "skewered chicken" in Arabic, highlighting the method of cooking the chicken on skewers.

Ingredients

2 kg whole chicken
50 g lemon juice
75 g oil
20 g garlic
1 dash salt
1 dash white pepper
1 dash chopped fresh oregano
300 g mushrooms
200 g sliced eggplant
100 g sliced bell pepper
2 tbsp white wine
6 medium whole tomatoes
24 tbsp tomato sauce
50 g cooking oil for grill
2 tsp mustard

How to prepare

Remove the bone and skin from the chicken. Cut the chicken into cubes and marinate with lemon juice, crushed garlic, oil, oregano, mustard, salt, pepper, and white wine.
Keep the marinated chicken cubes in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
Thread 4 marinated chicken cubes onto bamboo sticks or skewers.
Grill the chicken on a grill or charcoal grill.
To serve, pour 4 tbsp of tomato sauce on a dinner plate and top with one cup of cooked rice.
Arrange 2 grilled shish taouq around the rice.
Garnish with a grilled slice of eggplant, 2 pieces of grilled mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and a grilled slice of bell pepper.

Variations

You can add different spices to the marinade, such as cumin, paprika, or sumac, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.
You can also use different types of meat, such as lamb or beef, instead of chicken for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat to ensure that it cooks evenly and develops a nice charred exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shish Taouq with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the traditional method of cooking Shish Taouq, but you can also bake or broil the chicken in the oven if you don't have a grill.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have oregano, you can use thyme or rosemary as a substitute.

- You can use zucchini or squash instead of eggplant for a different vegetable option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Shish Taouq skewers on a platter with a drizzle of tahini sauce and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Shish Taouq pairs well with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or baba ganoush for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Shish Taouq in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Shish Taouq is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

Allergens: None

Summary

Shish Taouq is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Shish Taouq is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a family dinner. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a Middle Eastern masterpiece that is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Shish Taouq. It was a warm summer day many years ago when I was visiting my dear friend Fatima in Lebanon. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on Arabic coffee and sharing stories about our families.

As we chatted, Fatima suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry, rummaging through jars and spice containers. She reappeared with a small bowl of marinated chicken pieces and skewers in hand.

"Sit, sit," she said, motioning for me to take a seat at the table. "I want to show you how to make Shish Taouq, a traditional Lebanese dish that my grandmother taught me."

I watched in awe as Fatima expertly threaded the chicken pieces onto the skewers, each one coated in a fragrant blend of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a secret mix of spices. The aroma wafting through the kitchen was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

As Fatima grilled the skewers on a hot barbecue, she shared the story behind the recipe. She told me that Shish Taouq was a dish commonly served at family gatherings and celebrations in Lebanon. It was a dish that brought people together, a symbol of love and hospitality.

Fatima explained that the key to a perfect Shish Taouq was in the marination process. The longer the chicken pieces soaked in the flavorful mixture, the more tender and flavorful they would be. She also emphasized the importance of grilling the skewers over high heat to achieve a beautifully charred exterior while keeping the meat juicy and succulent.

I took notes as Fatima shared her tips and tricks, determined to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen. I knew that my family would love it, and I couldn't wait to share this taste of Lebanon with them.

When the Shish Taouq was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The tender chicken melted in my mouth, bursting with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and spices. The grilled vegetables served alongside added a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment. From my grandmother's traditional recipes to Fatima's expert guidance, I had learned so much about the art of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones.

Since that day in Fatima's kitchen, Shish Taouq has become a staple in my own recipe collection. I have passed down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, hoping to keep the tradition alive for generations to come.

As I sit here reminiscing about that memorable day in Lebanon, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been my passion, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques from people around the world.

I may be an old grandmother now, but my love for cooking and sharing meals with my family remains as strong as ever. And whenever I make Shish Taouq, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Lebanon, surrounded by the laughter and love of dear friends.

I am forever grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories that it holds. And I look forward to many more delicious meals shared with my loved ones, each dish a reminder of the joy and connection that food brings to our lives.