Classic Shashlik Recipe

Classic Shashlik Recipe 

Shashlik is a popular dish in Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus region. It consists of skewered and grilled marinated meat, usually served with vegetables and sometimes bread. Here's a classic shashlik recipe for you:

Ingredients:

- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of meat (beef, lamb, or chicken) - choose lean cuts for better results

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (olive oil or sunflower oil works well)

- 2 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)

- Salt, to taste

- Vegetables for skewering (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in thickness. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

2. In a large bowl, prepare the marinade by combining the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable oil, vinegar, black pepper, paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well until you have a smooth marinade.

3. Add the meat pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Marinating the meat for a longer time enhances the flavor.

4. When you're ready to grill, preheat your barbecue or grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use an oven broiler if a grill is not available.

5. While the grill is heating, prepare the vegetables for skewering. You can use bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, or any other vegetables of your choice.

6. Thread the marinated meat and vegetables onto the skewers alternately.

7. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat and your preferred level of doneness.

8. Once the shashlik is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance, remove them from the grill.

9. Serve the shashlik hot with flatbread or rice, and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spice levels to suit your taste. Shashlik is often served with a side of fresh salad and yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki. It's a delightful dish perfect for gatherings and outdoor barbecues. Enjoy!