Lemony Moroccan Style Chicken Kebabs Recipe Finecooking

LEMONY MOROCCAN STYLE CHICKEN KEBABS

Steps:

• For the Marinade:.
• Cut four deep, lengthwise gashes, equally spaced, into each lemon. Put the lemons and garlic cloves in a small microwavable container. Cover and microwave on high until the lemons are soft and juice has exuded from them, about 4 minute (If not soft, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals). Strain the juice into a small container and let the lemons and garlic cool briefly. When the lemons are cool enough to handle, separate them into sections. Scrape the pulp and most of the white pith away with a spoon; discard. Put the scraped lemon peels, garlic, lemon juice, and remaining marinade ingredients in a blender and puree to make a coarse, soft paste. Set 2 tablespoons aside to use for the yogurt sauce.
• To Marinate the Chicken:.
• Put the chicken into a 1-gallon zip-top bag; scrape in the remaining marinade. Massage the bag to coat all the chicken pieces and marinate for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• To Grill the Kebabs:.
• Build a medium-hot charcoal fire or heat a gas grill to medium high. Dump the chicken into a bowl, but don't scrape off any excess marinade. Put the onion and peppers in the marinade bag and massage them to coat with the marinade (it's fine if the onion pieces break apart). Transfer to another bowl. Thread the chicken onto skewers, positioning a piece of onion and pepper between the pieces of chicken. If there's extra pepper or onion, thread them onto separate skewers, if you like.
• When ready to grill, oil the grill grate. Grill the kebabs over direct heat (uncovered for charcoal; covered for gas), turning the skewers every 2 to 3 minute until the chicken is firm and shows no redness when cut into, about 10 to 15 minute Check several pieces of chicken to be sure.
• To Make the Sauce:.
• Combine the reserved 2 tablespoons marinade with the cucumber, cilantro, yogurt, and 2 teaspoons salt. Mix well. (Make the sauce no more than an hour before serving or it will be too watery).
• To Serve:.
• Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and serve them in a mound with the yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

MOROCCAN-SPICED CHICKEN SKEWERS

Steps:

• Whisk olive oil, 1/4 cup mint, cilantro, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, honey, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cloves garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne in a large bowl. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade in a separate bowl.
• Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over chicken. Press air out of the bag and seal tightly. Turn the bag to distribute the marinade. Place in a bowl and refrigerate for 5 hours.
• Whisk yogurt, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup mint, 2 cloves garlic, lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl to make sauce. Cover and place in the refrigerator.
• Toss green bell peppers and red onion in the reserved 1/4 cup marinade. Remove chicken from the bag and discard all marinade. Thread chicken, peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Arrange skewers on the grill. Close lid and cook, turning once or twice, until chicken is firm to the touch, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from grill and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with cold sauce.

CHICKEN KEBABS

Steps:

• Mix yogurt, lemon juice, onion juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and saffron together in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate, 8 hours to overnight.
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove chicken from marinade; thread through skewers. Discard unused marinade.
• Cook on the preheated grill, turning frequently, until golden brown on all sides and meat is no longer pink in the center, about 8 minutes per side.

MOROCCAN STYLE LAMB KEBABS

Steps:

• Pre heat barbecue. Trim any excess fat off the outside of the lamb and then cut into 5cm chunks. place in a non metallic bowl with the oil, lemon juice, spices, garlic, harissa and some seasoning and mix well. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 2 hours.
• Peel the onion, leaving the root end intact, and then cut into 8 wedges so that the slices of onion stay together at the root of each wedge. Cut the lemon into 8 wedges.
• Thread the lamb chunks and lemon and onion wedges alternately onto four 30cm flat metal skewers, and place over medium hot barbecue, for 10 - 15 minutes. Turn every now and then, until the lamb is nicely browned on the outside, but still pink in the centre. Serve with fresh coriander and roasted pumpkin wedges, if liked.