Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup harissa paste
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together harissa paste, tahini, and water until smooth.
7. Serve grilled chicken skewers with harissa-tahini sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes + marinating time
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Grill temperature: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 335
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Harissa paste: If you can't find harissa paste, you can use a mixture of tomato paste, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika instead.
- Tahini: You can substitute tahini with almond butter or peanut butter.
Variations:
- Vegetarian version: You can use firm tofu or vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions instead of chicken.
- Spicier version: Add more harissa paste or cayenne pepper to the marinade or the sauce.
- Creamier version: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the harissa-tahini sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Don't overcook the chicken, or it will become dry and tough.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- You can also cook the chicken skewers in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan if you don't have an outdoor grill.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat chicken skewers in the oven or microwave until heated through. Warm up the sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the chicken skewers on a platter and drizzle the harissa-tahini sauce over them.
- Serve with a side of pita bread, hummus, and a Greek salad.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Pairings:
- Pita bread
- Hummus
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables (such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers)
- Rice pilaf
- Couscous salad
- Tabouli salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the grill, brush the grill grates with oil before cooking.
- If the chicken is not cooked through, continue grilling for a few more minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and utensils before and after handling raw chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Shish Taouk is a popular Middle Eastern dish that originated in Lebanon and Syria. It is typically made with marinated chicken skewers and served with a garlic sauce or tahini sauce.
Flavor profiles:
- Shish Taouk is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the smoky and charred flavor of grilled chicken with the bold and spicy flavors of harissa paste and the nutty and creamy flavor of tahini.
Serving suggestions:
- Shish Taouk with Harissa and Tahini is a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner party. Serve it with a side of pita bread, hummus, and a Greek salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Middle Eastern