Andalucian Pinchitos Morunos Moorish Saffron Meat Skewers Recipes

PINCHITOS MORUNOS

Steps:

• Using a mortar and pestle, mash garlic, cilantro, cumin, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper.
• Add olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar and mix well.
• Place 4-5 pieces of meat on each skewer (for best results, first soak skewers 1/2 hour in water).
• Put skewer in a container and top with marinade.
• Let marinate for 2-3 hours, turning every once in a while.
• Grill over medium heat until cooked through-- about 10-15 minutes, turning as needed.
• Serve with lemon wedges and cilantro.
• Note: These can be done in the oven too-375° for 15 minutes (about), turning once.

PINCHOS MORUNOS (MOORISH POINTED STICK OR THORNS)

Steps:

• Thread the meat onto 12 bamboo skewers. Season lightly on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Combine the cumin, coriander, pimenton and oregano. Smash the garlic cloves to a paste with a little salt, mix in the olive oil and combine with the dry spices.
• Rub the seasoning mixture onto the meat with your fingers. Place on plate, plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook, up to several hours.
• Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Cook the skewers about 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

TAPAS - SPICY PORK SKEWERS (PINCHOS MORUNOS)

Steps:

• Cut pork tenderloin into 1-inch cubes.
• In a bowl, combine paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper and olive oil.
• Marinade pork for a minimum of 4 hours to overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• or preheat grill to medium high.
• Thread pork cubes onto small wooden skewers.
• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in oven.
• Alternatively grill over medium heat, about 10 minutes.
• While cooking turn once and baste with marinate until well browned.

ANDALUCIAN PINCHITOS MORUNOS - MOORISH SAFFRON MEAT SKEWERS

Steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts,lamb or pork into cubes about 1" in size. Flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand.
• Place the meat in a large bowl and add the dried spices, garlic & salt, saffron infused water, oregano, bay leaf and vinegar - mix thouroughly.
• Then add the olive oil - mix again thoroughly, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge for between 2 & 12 hours, so the flavours mingle and marinade into the meat.
• Light the barbecue about half an hour before cooking and allow the charcoal or wood to flare and then glow.
• If cooking inside, turn the grill up to high, or use a smoking hot griddle or griddle pan.
• Thread the meat on to the skewers.
• Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the outside is charred and the inside is still juicy but cooked. (NOT pink for pork and chicken - but pink for lamb).
• Season well with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped flat leaf parsley or fresh coriander (Cilantro), serve with a selection of salads, flat breads, pickles and Sherry vinegar dressing.