Georgian Shashlyk Caucasian Style Skewered Lamb Recipes

MTSVADI (PORK SHASHLIK)

Steps:

• In a large bowl combine pork, onion, salt and pepper. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or lid and marinate for 2 hours or overnight*. (See the note 2)
• If you use the wood skewers, make sure to soak them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes before grilling. This will keep them from burning up on the grill.
• Thread the meat, sliced zucchini and tomatoes onto the skewers.
• Preheat the grill to a medium high heat.
• Grill for 15-20 minutes turning from time to time, until Shashlik is brown on the sides and cooked through. (After 15 minutes, remove one piece of Shashlik from the skewer and slice in half. If it's no longer pink in the centre, Shashlik is ready.)
• In a blender or food processor combine all ingredients for the sauce and process until creamy. Serve immediately with Shashlik.

GRANDPA NICK'S GEORGIA SHASHLIK

Steps:

• Cut lemon in half and juice. Cut 2 rinds into chunks.
• Place lemon juice and rinds into a large glass or ceramic bowl with red wine, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well. Add lamb and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 18 hours.
• Remove lamb from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Thread lamb on to skewers.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Cook skewers, turning occasionally, on the preheated grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat reads at least 130 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium, about 15 minutes.

GEORGIAN SHASHLYK (CAUCASIAN-STYLE SKEWERED LAMB)

Steps:

• Marinade: In a large bowl, beat together the grated onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Add the meat and toss it in the marinade to coat it thoroughly, then allow to marinate at room temperature for at least 3 hours, tossing every hour or so to keep the meat moist.
• Light a layer of coals in a charcoal broiler and burn until a white ash appears on the surface, or preheat your kitchen broiler to its highest point.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and string them on 4 long skewers, pressing them firmly together, alternate the lamb with the chunks of onion.
• Broil 4" from the source of the heat, turning the skewers occasionally, until the meat is done to your taste and the onions are brown.
• For rare allow about 10 minutes; well-done (which is more typical of Georgian cooking) will take about 15.
• Slide the meat off onto individual plates and garnish with scallions and lemon.

LAMB SHASHLIKS WITH ROSEMARY & GARLIC

Steps:

• Mix the lamb with the lemon and juice, oil, garlic and rosemary. Season well. Cover with cling film and leave to chill for a few hours or, if possible, overnight.
• Thread the lamb onto large metal or wooden skewers, alternating with the peppers and onions. (If using wooden skewers, soak for 20 mins before using.)
• Get your coals hot, then put the lamb skewers over the heat and cook for about 5 mins until well coloured. Turn over and cook for a further 5-10 mins until cooked to your liking and nicely charred. To test if the lamb is done, put a large skewer into the middle of the meat and press down on the flesh. If the juice that runs from it is bloody, it's not cooked enough. If the juice is pink and watery, the lamb is cooked the way I like it. If the liquid is completely clear, the lamb is well done. Allow the meat to rest for a few mins before serving with flatbreads, yogurt, chilli sauce, and tomato and cucumber.

SHASHLYK

Steps:

• In a large bowl arrange a layer meat, then onion, 2 bay leaves and some peppercorns. Continue with the rest ingredients.
• Stir in the vinegar. The meat must be all covered up with the vinegar. Put the lid or cover with foil and put it into the fridge overnight.
• Next day drain the meat. Arrange the meat cubes on a skewer.
• Broil or grill until done (20 minutes).