Shish Taouk with Yogurt and Mint Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves

Special equipment needed:
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

4. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

5. Grill the chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.

6. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped mint leaves and yogurt.

7. Serve the chicken skewers hot with the yogurt and mint sauce on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes + marinating time
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 27g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Fresh mint leaves can be substituted with dried mint.

Variations:
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skewers for added flavor and color.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker and creamier sauce.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier marinade.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers, leave some space between each piece of chicken for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

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

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the chicken skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the chicken skewers on a platter with the yogurt and mint sauce in a small bowl on the side.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice pilaf or grilled vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Greek salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the grill or grill pan, brush it with a little oil before cooking.
- If the chicken is not cooking evenly, adjust the heat or move the skewers around on the grill.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.
- Use a separate cutting board and utensils for raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Shish Taouk is a popular Middle Eastern dish that originated in Lebanon and Syria.

Flavor profiles:
- Shish Taouk is a flavorful and aromatic dish with a blend of spices and herbs that give it a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the chicken skewers with a side of rice pilaf or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

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Region: Lebanese

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Herbal, Citrusy, Creamy