Appetizer > Bacon Appetizers

Skilpadjies with Bacon and Onion Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef liver
- 1/2 pound bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Special equipment needed:
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef liver, bacon, onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, coriander, allspice, and cloves until well combined.

2. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a small sausage shape.

3. Thread each sausage shape onto a skewer, making sure to pack them tightly together.

4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

5. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the skilpadjies are cooked through and the bacon is crispy.

6. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef liver can be substituted with ground beef or ground lamb liver.
- Bacon can be substituted with pancetta or prosciutto.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Egg can be substituted with a flax egg or chia egg for a vegan option.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the mixture for added flavor.
- Replace the ground coriander, allspice, and cloves with your favorite spice blend for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Pack the skilpadjies tightly onto the skewers to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Serve with a side of chakalaka or tomato relish for a traditional South African accompaniment.

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

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

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

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

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of chakalaka or tomato relish for a traditional South African accompaniment.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
- Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the skilpadjies are falling apart on the grill, try packing them tighter onto the skewers or adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the skilpadjies to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Food history:
- Skilpadjies, which means "little tortoises" in Afrikaans, are a traditional South African dish made from ground liver and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, smoky, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the skilpadjies as a main course with a side of chakalaka or tomato relish, or as an appetizer at a barbecue or party.

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Region: South African

Taste: Savory, Smoky, Tangy, Umami, Rich