Mediterranean > Albanian

Gjizë-Style Baked Kebab Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water

Special equipment needed:
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, and crumbled feta cheese to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
5. Form the meat mixture into small kebabs and place them in the baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and water. Pour the mixture over the kebabs.
7. Bake the kebabs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground turkey.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or queso fresco.

Variations:
- Add chopped mint to the meat mixture for a refreshing flavor.
- Serve the kebabs with tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.
- Make mini kebabs and serve them as appetizers.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning in the oven.
- Use a cookie scoop to form the meat mixture into evenly sized kebabs.
- If the kebabs are browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the kebabs in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the kebabs on a platter with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
- Lemon wedges

Pairings:
- Serve the kebabs with a side of rice pilaf or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Tzatziki sauce
- Hummus
- Pita bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kebabs are falling apart, add more breadcrumbs to the meat mixture to help bind it together.
- If the kebabs are dry, add more milk to the meat mixture to make it more moist.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the internal temperature of the kebabs reaches 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.

Food history:
- Gjizë-Style Baked Kebab is a traditional Albanian dish that is typically made with ground lamb or beef and served with yogurt or sour cream.

Flavor profiles:
- The kebabs are savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the cinnamon and nutmeg. The feta cheese adds a tangy and salty flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the kebabs as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.

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Region: Albanian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic