Mashawi (Shish Kabab)

Shish Kabab, skewers of beef and vegetables, are the most interesting grilled meat recipe for Syrians. Although it is easy to make, it needs to be done just right. Here is a foolproof recipe with tips and step-by-step details to get the perfectly cooked vegetables and meat every time.

Shish kabab has been in Syria since ages Chunks of beef and veggie skewers that are usually cooked over a charcoal grill and served with arabic bread and mazza like Tahini, baba ganoush and hummus.

You can prepare kabab the night before or two hours in the marinade is sufficient to achieve the flavor.

 

 

Shish Kabob Tips

Do use fresh garlic in this recipe: it really makes a huge difference and never use powder garlic.

Do not be afraid of using yogurt: and let it marinate along, it is really very good.

Do use a good olive oil if possible

Do not add salt if you use soy sauce.

 

Ingredients

4 lb beef steak cut into 1 inch cubes.

salt

2/3 cup oil- preferably olive oil.

1/4-1/3 cup plain yogurt.

2 teaspoons ketchup sauce.

2 Tablespoons white vinegar.

1/4 cup lemon juice.

3 garlic cloves – minced.

1 Tablespoon yellow mustard.

2 teaspoon freshly ground black peppers – or to your liking.

2 teaspoon ground cardamom.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Veggies

Sweet bell peppers or bell peppers cut into chunks.

1 bag pearl onions.

16 small mushroom caps.

5 small tomatoes.

 

Instructions

Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a zip lock bag, take 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the marinade and set aside.

Add the cubed meat to the bag and coat well. Squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag then marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Add the veggies to the other bag with 1/2 to 3/4 of the marinade and set aside for an hour.

Thread meat pieces into metal or bamboo skewers, grill until cooked.

Do the same with the veggies as well.

Serve with arabic bread.  

 

Lara Khouli