Wednesday 15 April 2009

Souvlaki

My knowledge of authentic Greek food is extremely limited, in fact everything I know could probably be wirtten on the back of a postage stamp. I've had Greek salad, olives and moussaka, I really like taramasalata and I love a chunk of crumbly Feta, but beyond that I draw a blank.

At least I did draw a blank, but now I can add one more dish to the list. Souvlaki.

Souvlaki are pieces of meat -traditionally pork- which are marinaded and threaded onto skewers for barbecuing or grilling, the word souvlaki comes from the word souvla which means skewer.
To make souvlaki cubes of pork are marinated in a mixture of red wine or red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon and oregano, they have a very 'fresh' flavour and are surprisingly light. They would be perfect for the upcoming barbecue party season, it's the kind of food you can pass round on a big platter for everyone to dig in and help themselves.

I served mine with some delicious vegetable rice which was so good it's worthy of a post all of it's own, you could serve this with pita, flat-breads or cous cous equally well.

Although this recipe is all my own I should give credit once again to the fantastic River Cottage Meat Book and to Kalofagas for inspiration.

Recipe: (serves four)
  • About 800g pork cut into one inch cubes. I used the shoulder cut because 1)it's cheaper 2) it's got more flavour. You can use whatever you like though.
For the marinade:
  • A good half a glass of red wine.
  • 4 Tablespoons of olive oil.
  • The finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon.
  • A lot of dried oregano, about 6 tablespoons or more if you like.
  • Salt and pepper.
To make souvlaki simply mix all the marinade ingredients together in a large non-metallic bowl, add the pork and mix well then cover and leave in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Thread the pork onto skewers and cook either on a hot barbecue or on a smoking hot griddle. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and rice or salad.

13 comments:

Amanda @ Mrs.W's Kitchen said...

Yum, Sam! That made my mouth water! We love souvlaki--I haven't make it in forever! I guess I know what's for dinner tonight...

Pam said...

Wow...the marinade sounds wonderful. Great photo.

Hopie said...

What that sounds delicious and not too hard to make. I agree that photo certainly makes my mouth water. I'd love to see the recipe for vegetable rice. Sounds like the perfect accompaniment.

Anonymous said...

Love souvlaki! I agree, the flavors are light and refreshing. And when do we get to see this vegetable rice?

gastroanthropologist said...

I love grilled meat on a stick! Are the recipes in the River Cottage Meat book worth the purchase? I've thumbed through it a few times at the bookstore...

Alicia Foodycat said...

I don't know how you managed to photograph pork to make it look so succulent! I am craving souvlaki now!

Sam said...

Hopie and Croquecamille: I'll get the vegetable rice recipe posted soon:)

Gastroanthropologist: The meat book is well worth buying I find myself turning to it again and again for ideas and advice.

It's not only a recipe book, it tells you all about meat, how it's produced, which cuts are suitable for which dishes etc. I thoroughly recommend it.

Marc @ NoRecipes said...

Mmmm... I love souvlaki. Yours looks great.

Sylvie said...

Mmmhhh, Sam, Souvlaki are so good. They remind me of summer bbq's in the back yard!

Anonymous said...

Yum! I'm all for meat-on-a-stick, no matter whose culture:)

The Caked Crusader said...

I love souvlaki - yours look great - lovely meaty chunks!

Maggie said...

This certainly does sound good BBQ food and looks delicious!

Nic said...

That's a great photo Sam, looks like you have really got the hang of your new camera!