I recently discovered a new way to enjoy one of my favorite fruits – cherries – and it’s quickly become a summer staple in my household. Cherry kebabs are a fun and easy way to add some variety to your grilling routine while also satisfying your sweet tooth.
One evening, my friends and I decided to try out a Syrian restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin. We were all excited to try out the different dishes on the menu. After going over the menu, I decided to order the cherry kebab.
After a little while, a nice waiter brought it to our table. The dish looked and smelled amazing. I couldn’t wait to dig in and taste the flavors.
During our meal, a staff member fainted while working. It was a scary moment, but thankfully she received treatment, and everything settled down.
After the commotion, I decided to request the recipe from the restaurant chef. To my surprise, he agreed to give it to me. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to recreate this delicious dish in my kitchen.
The recipe contained a variety of ingredients, including olive oil, yellow onions, garlic, ground lamb, mixed spices, cinnamon, black pepper, sea salt, fresh cherries, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice, pine nuts, fresh mint, and fresh parsley.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to serving cherry kebab, there are a variety of dishes that can complement its flavors. As someone who has enjoyed this dish on many occasions, I have found that the following dishes pair particularly well with this kebab:
- Grilled vegetables: The smoky flavors of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant work well with the sweetness of cherry kebab.
- Couscous salad: A refreshing couscous salad with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the kebab.
- Quinoa pilaf: Quinoa is a great alternative to rice and can be used to make a delicious pilaf that pairs well with this dish.
- Greek salad: A classic Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, and red onions can provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the kebab.
- Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs such as rosemary and thyme can provide a hearty side dish that complements the flavors of the kebab.
By pairing this kebab with these dishes, you can create a well-rounded meal that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 4 cups of chopped yellow onions
- 4 cloves of crushed garlic
- 1 lb. of ground lamb
- 1 tsp of 7-spice
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp of black pepper
- ½ tsp of sea salt
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 lb. (500 grams) of fresh cherries
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- ½ cup of pine nuts
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley
How To Make Cherry Kebab?
- Begin by frying the onions in olive oil until they get soft, then put them aside to cool.
- Combine all the spices – cinnamon, crushed garlic, black salt, and pepper—in a bowl. Season the ground meat with this spice mix, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge for an hour before you start cooking.
- Now, toss the cherries into a pot on medium heat along with cinnamon and lemon juice. Let it simmer, then lower the heat, cover it, and cook for 15 minutes until the cherries become soft.
- Once you take out the cinnamon sticks from the cherries, use a fork to lightly mash them and then get rid of the cherry pits.
- Then, blend the seasoned ground meat with the cooked onions and shape them into meatballs around an inch in size. Cook them in batches in a frying pan until they turn a nice, even brown.
- Move the browned meatballs into the pot with the cherry sauce and let them simmer for another 15 minutes.
- At the same time, gently toast pine nuts in olive oil in another frying pan.
- For serving, arrange the sauced meatballs on a big platter with pita bread slices. Sprinkle on chopped mint, parsley, and toasted pine nuts for a finishing touch.
Popular Variations of Cherry Kebab
Pomegranate Molasses Twist: In this variation, the sour cherries are swapped out for a glaze of pomegranate molasses. The molasses adds a tangy note to the kebabs, elevating the overall taste with its distinctive flavor.
Spiced Ground Meat Patties: For a convenient twist, some opt for using ground meat mixed with aromatic spices. Shaped into small patties, these kebabs offer a flavorful and easy-to-eat variation of Kebab Karaz.
Vegetarian Delight: Incorporating grilled vegetables into the kebabs adds a vibrant and wholesome dimension to the dish. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter, plant-based variation.
Fiery Hot Pepper Version: For spice enthusiasts, a fiery variation of Kebab Karaz may include hot peppers or a chili-infused marinade. This adds an extra kick, providing a bold and flavorful experience for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes.
Conclusion
Discovering the delightful world of cherry kebabs has been a culinary journey filled with both surprise and satisfaction. This unique recipe, inspired by a memorable dining experience in a Syrian restaurant, captures the essence of Middle Eastern flavors in this grilled delight.
The inclusion of popular variations, such as the pomegranate molasses twist, spiced ground meat patties, vegetarian delight, and the fiery hot pepper version, showcases the adaptability of this kebab recipe. Each variation offers a unique twist, catering to different preferences and dietary choices. From tangy glazes to plant-based options and fiery kicks, this dish proves to be a canvas for culinary creativity.
Overall, I highly recommend giving the cherry kebab recipe a shot. It’s a unique and flavorful Syrian kebab that is sure to become a new favorite for you and your friends and family.
By the way, kebabs are often consumed with pita bread.
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