Baharat Kebabs
3 Kebab Recipes: Chicken, Lamb and Vegetarian (with Mushrooms)
Kebabs are a versatile and flavour-packed dish popular across many cultures. Here’s a collection of three delicious kebab recipes: Chicken Kebabs, Lamb Kebabs, and Vegetarian Kebabs with Mushrooms. Each features a unique marinade, offering a balance of aromatic spices and fresh herbs that infuse the meat or vegetables with irresistible flavours. These can be grilled, broiled, or pan-seared, depending on your preference!
1. Chicken Kebabs with Baharat and Yogurt Marinade
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon baharat seasoning
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, baharat, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and fresh thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours or up to overnight for maximum flavour.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning).
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred on the outside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Serve:
Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve with a side of rice pilaf, couscous, or flatbreads, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce or tzatziki.
2. Lamb Kebabs with Garlic and Herbs
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (700g) lamb shoulder or lamb leg, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, mint, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Lamb:
Add the lamb cubes to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavour.
Grill the Lamb:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Thread the lamb onto skewers, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
Grill the lamb for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the lamb is browned on the outside and cooked to your desired level of doneness (for medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F or 54°C).
Serve:
Serve the lamb kebabs with a side of tabbouleh, hummus, or grilled vegetables, and garnish with fresh mint or parsley.
3. Vegetarian Kebabs with Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, and Zucchini
Ingredients:
1 large zucchini, cut into thick rounds
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 lb (225g) mushrooms (button, cremini, or portobello), cleaned and halved if large
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, ground coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms with the marinade, ensuring all the vegetables are well coated.
Let the vegetables marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Assemble the Kebabs:
Thread the marinated vegetables onto the soaked skewers, alternating between the different vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms) for colour and variety.
Grill the Kebabs:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the vegetable skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Turn them carefully to avoid breaking the vegetables apart.
Serve:
Serve the vegetarian kebabs with hummus, a simple green salad, or quinoa for a light, healthy meal.
Additional Notes for All Kebabs:
Skewers: If you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers, which are reusable and easy to handle.
Side Suggestions: Kebabs are great with flatbreads (pita, naan), a side of couscous, rice, or salads (like tabbouleh, fattoush, or a simple green salad).
Grilling Tip: Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature before you start cooking the kebabs to ensure even cooking and to achieve a good sear on the outside.
Storage:
Leftover kebabs can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in a pan, or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Kebabs:
Flavorful Marinades: Whether it's the fragrant spices in the chicken or lamb kebabs or the fresh, herby marinade for the veggie kebabs, the flavours are deep and satisfying.
Versatility: These kebabs work with a variety of proteins and vegetables, making them perfect for all tastes and dietary preferences.
Quick and Easy: Kebabs are simple to prepare and cook, making them a great option for busy weeknights, weekends, or casual BBQs.
These Chicken Kebabs, Lamb Kebabs, and Vegetarian Kebabs with mushrooms are not only packed with flavour, but they also offer a satisfying mix of options to please any crowd. Enjoy them with your favourite sides for a delicious and well-rounded meal!