The Israeli kebab, also known as shishlik, is a popular dish in Israel that has been influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be found in many Israeli restaurants and street food vendors. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Israeli kebab and share a traditional recipe for you to try at home.
The first dish on our list is a classic Israeli salad. This refreshing and colorful salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions, all chopped into small pieces and drizzled with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. It's the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken, adding a burst of freshness to every bite.
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Israeli Shakshuka
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Onion, Green
If you're looking for a warm and comforting dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than Israeli shakshuka. This popular breakfast dish consists of eggs cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce with spices like cumin and paprika. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you've got yourself a delicious meal.
For a heartier side dish, try this Israeli couscous salad. The couscous is cooked with vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, and tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing. This salad is perfect for a summer barbecue and makes a great addition to your beer can chicken feast.
No Israeli meal is complete without a bowl of creamy hummus. Made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, this dip is perfect for scooping up with pita bread or vegetables. Add a sprinkle of sumac on top for an extra burst of flavor.
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Beef Kebab
Main Ingredients: Beef Tenderloin, Light Soy Sauce, Minced Ginger, Minced
Kebabs are a staple in Israeli cuisine and for good reason. These grilled skewers of marinated beef are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious meaty feast.
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Moroccan Kefta Kebab
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Beef, Medium Onion, Paprika, Cumin, Salt
For a twist on traditional beef kebabs, try these Moroccan kefta kebabs. Made with ground beef mixed with spices like cumin, paprika, and harissa, these kebabs are bursting with North African flavors. Serve with some spicy tzatziki for a delicious pairing with your beer can chicken.
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Marinated Beef Shish Kebab
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Yellow Pepper, Red Pepper, Red Onion
Another variation on beef kebabs is these marinated beef shish kebabs. The beef is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before being grilled to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful kebab that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Chicken Kebab
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice
If you prefer chicken over beef, try these simple and delicious chicken kebabs. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices like oregano and thyme, then grilled to perfection. These kebabs are a great addition to any meal, and especially to your beer can chicken feast.
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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground
If you've ever visited Israel, you've probably seen the popular street food, doner kebab. This dish is made with layers of seasoned meat that is cooked on a rotating spit and shaved off as it cooks. While it may seem daunting to make at home, with some garlic yogurt sauce and pita bread, you can easily recreate this Turkish classic to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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Mediterranean Chicken Kebab Salad
Main Ingredients: Skinless Boneless Chicken Breast, Lemon Juice, Dried
For a lighter option, try this Mediterranean chicken kebab salad. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices like basil and rosemary, then grilled and served over a bed of greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese. It's a refreshing and delicious dish to enjoy alongside your beer can chicken.
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Israeli Style Tuna
Main Ingredients: Salad, Tuna, Lemon
If you're not a fan of meat, don't worry, we've got you covered with this Israeli style tuna. The tuna is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and honey, then grilled to perfection. Serve it on top of a bed of greens for a light and flavorful meal to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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Israeli Shakshuka with Zhug
Main Ingredients: Pita Bread, Jalapenos, Salt, Garlic Cloves, Cumin
For a spicier version of the classic Israeli shakshuka, try this recipe with zhug. Zhug is a spicy Yemenite sauce made with herbs, garlic, and chili peppers. It adds a delicious kick to your shakshuka and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Lemon Israeli Couscous
Main Ingredients: Fresh Parmesan Cheese, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Salt
If you're looking for a simple and tasty side dish, try this lemon Israeli couscous. The couscous is cooked in chicken broth and tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, and mint. It's a great side dish to serve with your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Israeli Parsley Salad
Main Ingredients: Chopped Parsley, Green Onion, Unsweetened Dried
This Israeli parsley salad is a refreshing and light accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Made with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and onions, and dressed with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, it adds a burst of freshness to your meal.
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Kofta Kebab
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Parsley, Ground Beef
Another popular Middle Eastern kebab is the kofta kebab. Made with ground beef, lamb, or chicken and seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice, these kebabs are full of flavor. Serve them with some tzatziki for a delicious pairing with your beer can chicken.
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Healthy Tandoori Chicken Kebab
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Meat Tenderizer, Coarsely Ground Black
If you're looking for a healthy option, try these tandoori chicken kebabs. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices like garam masala and turmeric, then grilled to perfection. It's a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs well with your beer can chicken.
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Shwarma Chicken Kebab
Main Ingredients: Fat, Olive Oil, Ground Cumin, Ground Black Pepper
Another popular Israeli street food is shwarma, and these shwarma chicken kebabs are a great way to enjoy those flavors at home. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, and cumin, then grilled and served with some tahini sauce for dipping.
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Suya (Spicy grilled kebab)
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Roasted Almonds, Cayenne, Smoked
Suya is a popular Nigerian street food that is essentially a spicy grilled kebab. The meat is marinated in a spicy peanut and chili powder mixture, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it with some grilled plantains for a tasty pairing with your beer can chicken.
If you want to keep things simple, just serve some plain Israeli couscous on the side of your beer can chicken. It's cooked in chicken broth, making it flavorful and delicious on its own, or you can add some herbs and spices for extra flavor.
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Healthy Chicken Kebab
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Curry Paste, Salad, Plum Tomatoes, Red
For a healthier version of chicken kebabs, try these grilled chicken skewers. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, lime juice, and ginger, giving it a tropical twist. Serve it with some pineapple salsa for a tasty and healthy pairing with your beer can chicken.
The History of Israeli Kebab
The origin of the kebab can be traced back to the Middle East, where it was traditionally made with lamb or beef meat and cooked over an open fire. With the influence of the Ottoman Empire, the kebab spread to other regions including Israel. Over time, the Israeli kebab has evolved to include different types of meat such as chicken, fish, and even vegetarian options. It has also been influenced by various spices and marinades, making it a unique and popular dish in Israel.
The Traditional Israeli Kebab Recipe
To make a traditional Israeli kebab, you will need cubed lamb or beef, onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes as the main ingredients. The meat is usually marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika for at least an hour to enhance the flavor. The vegetables are also marinated in a separate mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano before being skewered with the meat.
Once the meat and vegetables are ready, they are skewered and grilled over hot charcoal or an open flame. The kebabs are continuously turned and basted with the marinade to keep them moist and flavorful. Once the meat is cooked to perfection, the kebabs are served with pita bread, hummus, and Israeli salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Additional Tips and Variations
To add more flavor to your Israeli kebab, you can also add sumac, turmeric, or baharat to the marinade. You can also experiment with different types of meat or vegetables to create your own unique version of the kebab. Some popular variations include using chicken thigh meat, mushrooms, or eggplant in place of the traditional lamb or beef.
In conclusion, the Israeli kebab is a delicious and versatile dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its rich history and flavorful ingredients, it has become a staple in Israeli cuisine and a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the Middle East. So why not gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and give this traditional recipe a try for your next family dinner or backyard barbecue?
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