SOUVLAKI (WICKED KEBABS)

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Souvlaki (Wicked Kebabs) image

We Brits often think of kebabs as a guilty pleasure. But, having seen the love and attention that goes into preparing a proper Greek kebab, I can assure you there is nothing to feel guilty about. It's all about quality ingredients and fresh zingy flavours. I'd always thought dried mint sounded a bit naff, but actually it turned out to be very delicious and it really helped create a more authentic taste. A few of these with some cold beers would be wicked. Cook them on a barbecue or in a griddle pan, depending on what's easier for you.

Provided by Jamie Oliver

Time 1h14m

Yield 4 servings (makes 8 generous kebabs)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 3/4 pounds/800 g leg of pork, shin if you can get it, the best quality you can afford, cut into 3/4-inch/2 cm chunks
1 tablespoon dried mint
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely grated
3 1/2 ounces/100 ml good-quality olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
A pinch sea salt
A pinch freshly ground black pepper
3 sweet pointed peppers, a mixture of colours is nice
Half a large cucumber
6 3/4 ounces/200 ml natural yoghurt
1 small clove garlic, peeled
1 heaped teaspoon dried mint
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
8 flatbreads, to serve
4 sprigs fresh mint, leaves picked
A small bunch fresh dill, chopped (stalks and all)
Red wine vinegar
Greek extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, to serve

Steps:

  • For the kebabs: Put the pork chunks, dried mint, dried oregano, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and black pepper into a bowl and use your clean hands to mix everything together really well. Cover with plastic wrap or clingfilm, then pop into the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or longer if you want the flavours to get a bit more intense. Meanwhile, blacken the peppers directly over the flame of your hob, in a hot dry griddle pan or under a hot grill. Turn them every so often and when they look almost ruined, pop them into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or clingfilm and put to one side to steam for 5 minutes or so, this will help their skins to come off.
  • To make the tzatziki: Coarsely grate the cucumber into a sieve set up over a bowl. Add a few good pinches of salt, then use your hands to squeeze out as much water as you can. Pour the water away, then tip the cucumber into the empty bowl and add the yoghurt. Pound the garlic in a pestle and mortar with a good pinch of salt until you have a paste, and spoon that into the bowl with the cucumber. Add the dried mint and red wine vinegar and mix really well. Have a taste to make sure you've got the balance right, then put aside. Preheat a griddle pan or grill on a high heat. Thread the skewers through the marinated pork pieces, leaving little spaces between them so that the heat cooks everything evenly. Cook the kebabs on the screaming hot griddle or grill for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until done on all sides. Warm your flatbreads in the oven or in a hot dry pan while your kebabs are cooking. Just before your kebabs are ready, peel and deseed your blackened peppers, then tear them into strips and put them into a bowl. Roll up your mint leaves, finely slice them and add to the bowl along with the dill. Add a few splashes of red wine vinegar, a pinch or two of salt and pepper and a lug of extra-virgin olive oil. Toss and mix together, then have a taste to check the balance of flavours. Cut your lemon into wedges. Put a dollop of tzatziki and the meat from 1 skewer on each warmed flatbread. Top with some of the pepper mixture, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Life doesn't get much better.

Qayum khan
[email protected]

The souvlaki was good, but not great. The chicken was a bit dry and the marinade didn't have much flavor. I think I'll try a different recipe next time.


Jessica Odoi
[email protected]

This recipe was a bit too complicated for me. I ended up burning the chicken. I think I'll stick to simpler recipes in the future.


Fiory Jaso
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of souvlaki, but this recipe changed my mind. The chicken was so tender and juicy, and the marinade was flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again.


MDSUN ISLAM
[email protected]

This recipe is a must-try! The souvlaki was amazing and the marinade was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.


Loraen Kapnaq
[email protected]

This was my first time making souvlaki and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the chicken was tender and flavorful.


Hani King
[email protected]

I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and the souvlaki is always delicious. I've made it several times and it's always a hit.


Sophia Smith
[email protected]

Yum! This recipe was a hit with my family. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the marinade was delicious.


WhiteZach CR
[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! The souvlaki was delicious and the marinade was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.


Hawa Vs
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times and it's always a winner. The chicken is always tender and juicy, and the marinade is flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe.


KGshakil rana
[email protected]

This is my go-to recipe for souvlaki. It's simple to make and always turns out delicious. I love the combination of flavors in the marinade.


Azeem khatak
[email protected]

I love this recipe! The souvlaki is always a hit with my family and friends. It's easy to make and always turns out great.


M Ashton
[email protected]

The souvlaki was delicious! The chicken was tender and juicy, and the marinade was flavorful. I would definitely make this recipe again.


Groot Nedo
[email protected]

I made this recipe for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the souvlaki and asked for the recipe. I'll definitely be making this again.


its_pandafan1 ccc
[email protected]

This recipe was easy to follow and the results were amazing! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the marinade was flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again.


Gfjv U7i
[email protected]

Absolutely delicious! The flavors were spot on and the chicken was so tender and juicy. I've never had souvlaki before, but this recipe made me an instant fan.