Souvlaki
Equipment
- 1 salad bowl
- 1 grill pot
Ingredients
- 800 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, or pork meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vineger
- 2 cloves garlic, mincent
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tbsp sea salt
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4-6 pita bread
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken cubes (or pork meat cubes) and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken (pork) cubes onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken (pork meat) is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken souvlaki in pita bread, with tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and lettuce, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Souvlaki is a traditional Greek food. It is a popular street food in Greece and is enjoyed by many people around the world. The dish consists of small pieces of meat, typically pork or chicken, that are skewered and grilled. It is typically served with a variety of toppings, such as onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce, and is often accompanied by a type of grilled bread called pita.
Ingredients:
- 800 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, or pork meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4-6 pita bread
Preparation method:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken cubes (or pork meat cubes) and stir to combine. Cover the bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken (pork) cubes onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken (pork meat) is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken souvlaki on pita bread, with tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and lettuce, if desired. Enjoy!
Detailed Ingredient Information
Each ingredient in souvlaki contributes to its delicious flavor. Boneless chicken breasts or pork meat provide protein, while olive oil adds richness. Red wine vinegar offers a tangy kick, and a blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary enhances the Mediterranean taste. Understanding the role of each ingredient enhances the appreciation of this classic Greek dish.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, sea salt, and lemon juice.
- Add chicken or pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated meat cubes onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Serve souvlaki hot, wrapped in warm pita bread, and topped with tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and lettuce for a burst of flavor.
Cultural Insights
Souvlaki holds a special place in Greek culinary heritage, tracing its roots back to ancient Greece. Originally prepared with lamb or goat meat, it was a staple food enjoyed by Greek soldiers and citizens alike. Today, souvlaki remains a beloved street food in Greece and a symbol of the country’s rich culinary tradition.
The exact history of souvlaki is not well-known, but it is believed to have originated in ancient Greece. The name “souvlaki” comes from the Greek word “souvla,” which refers to the skewers that the meat is cooked on. In ancient times, the meat used for souvlaki was typically lamb or goat, and it was often cooked over an open fire. Over time, the dish evolved to include other types of meat, such as pork and chicken, and it became a popular street food in Greece. Today, souvlaki is enjoyed by many people around the world and is considered a traditional Greek food.
Watch our step-by-step video tutorial below for visual guidance on making authentic Greek souvlaki:
Have you tried making souvlaki at home? Share your souvlaki cooking experiences and favorite toppings in the comments below!
