Souvlaki

Souvlaki with Feta and Olives Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives over the top of the skewers.
7. Serve hot with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.


Time:
Preparation time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan at medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 325
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with pork or beef.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with black olives.
- Tzatziki sauce can be substituted with hummus or tahini sauce.

Variations:
- Add sliced red onion and bell peppers to the skewers for more flavor and color.
- Serve with a Greek salad on the side.
- Use the same marinade for grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through (165°F).

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

Presentation ideas:
Arrange skewers on a platter and sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill.

Garnishes:
Garnish with lemon wedges and extra feta cheese.

Pairings:
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer such as a pilsner.

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

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the grill, brush some oil on the grill grates before cooking.
- If the chicken is dry, marinate for longer or add a little more olive oil to the marinade.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and utensils before handling raw chicken.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Souvlaki is a popular Greek street food made with grilled meat on skewers. It is usually served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and vegetables.

Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory, tangy, and slightly salty from the feta and olives.

Serving suggestions:
Serve on a platter with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a Greek salad on the side.

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Region: Greek

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Herby, Salty, Aromatic