This is a story of a chance encounter at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin. It led to a mysterious and coveted recipe for a perfectly cooked Turkish chicken shish kebab. After much persuasion, the elderly Israeli woman who cooked the dish reluctantly shared the recipe. If you’re curious about the recipe and its story, keep reading to discover how to make this delicious dish at home!
It was a cool fall evening in Madison, Wisconsin. My co-worker and I decided to grab dinner at a Middle Eastern restaurant that we had heard rave reviews about. As we entered the restaurant, a warm and welcoming atmosphere greeted us. It filled our senses with the aromas of various spices and herbs.
An old Israeli woman, who had been cooking at the restaurant for over a decade, served us the chicken shish kebab that we had ordered. The dish was perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful, making us crave more. We savored every bite and wondered about the ingredients and cooking methods that made it so delicious.
Just as we were about to ask the woman for the recipe, we heard a loud noise, and the fire alarm went off. We quickly evacuated the restaurant and found ourselves outside, waiting for the all-clear sign to re-enter. Meanwhile, we spoke with some of the restaurant staff. We learned that one of the cooks had accidentally triggered the fire alarm by bumping into it while preparing another dish. They were embarrassed and apologetic, but we assured them that accidents happen and that we were happy to have enjoyed the delicious meal.
Finally, the staff gave the all-clear sign. We returned to the restaurant. As we finished our meal, I mustered up the courage to ask the Israeli woman for the recipe. She smiled kindly but refused. She told me that it was a family recipe and that she couldn’t share it with outsiders.
Over the next few weeks, I tried to recreate the dish, following the recipe to the letter. Finally, after much trial and error, I could perfect the recipe. I had to make a few adjustments, but it still had that unique flavor we enjoyed at the restaurant.
Turkish shish kebab boasts a flavorful combination of ingredients that come together to create a delicious dish. The recipe calls for large free-range chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks. Quartered pieces of a large onion and minced garlic cloves add depth of flavor. Tomato purée, ground turmeric, and salt infuse the meat with a savory taste. Natural yogurt contributes a creamy texture, while paprika lends a subtle heat. In addition, vegetable oil is used for cooking, and sumac and dried oregano provide aromatic accents. When these ingredients combine, they create an irresistible Turkish shish kebab that is sure to delight your taste buds.
When serving chicken shish kebab, there are a variety of delectable accompaniments that can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions on what to serve alongside this flavorful dish. For example:
Pilaf: Prepare fragrant Turkish pilaf with buttery rice, vermicelli pasta, and a touch of saffron. This fluffy and aromatic side dish complements the succulent chicken kebabs perfectly.
Cucumber-Tomato Salad: Create a refreshing salad by combining diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Dress it with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a light and tangy accompaniment.
Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a cooling and creamy yogurt sauce by mixing plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, chopped dill, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.
Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. Grilled veggies add a smoky and charred flavor that pairs well with the chicken kebabs.
Flatbread: Serve warm and fluffy Turkish flatbread, such as lavash or pita bread, on the side. It’s perfect for wrapping the chicken and enjoying the flavors together.
Turkish Tea: Complete the meal with a cup of traditional Turkish tea. Its strong and aromatic flavors cleanse the palate and provide a satisfying ending to the dining experience.
Here is how I recreated the Turkish chicken shish kebab at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 large free-range chicken breasts (bite-sized chunks)
- 1 piece large onion (quartered)
- 3 pieces of garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of tomato purée
- A pinch of ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 200 milliliters of natural yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of paprika (not smoked)
- Vegetable oil
- Sumac
- Dried oregano
How to create the Turkish chicken shish kebab?
- To make the Turkish chicken shish kebab marinade, finely chop one large onion and three garlic cloves in a food processor. Once the mixture is finely chopped, transfer it to a sieve lined with a clean J-cloth and set it over a large bowl. The J-cloth helps to extract the juices from the onion and garlic mixture while keeping any remaining pulp from mixing with the marinade.
- Next, wrap the cloth around the pulp and squeeze it to extract as much juice as possible. It’s recommended to wear rubber gloves to avoid the strong smell of onion and garlic. You can discard the remaining pulp or save it for another use.
- Now, it’s time to combine the extracted juices with turmeric, paprika, and salt to create a flavorful concoction. Blend the tomato purée and yogurt (or milk). This makes this a delicious treat and creates a tangy and flavorful marinade for the chicken. Add the bite-sized chunks of chicken and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least an hour or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken thoroughly.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s essential to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Then, preheat the grill to its highest setting. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers — metal or wooden — in quantities of 4-8, depending on their length. Foil is used to line the baking tray and a little oil is added for drizzling. Place the chicken skewers on the tray and grill them for 10 minutes or until they are cooked through and blackened. There’s no need to turn the skewers while grilling.
- Finally, sprinkle the chicken skewers with oregano and sumac to add more flavor and depth to the dish. Serve the Turkish chicken shish kebab immediately with your preferred accompaniments. This delicious and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family.
The encounter with the Turkish chicken shish kebab at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, led to a memorable meal and a mysterious recipe that took perseverance and experimentation to perfect. This story shows the power of trying new things, being open to new experiences, and the value of hard work in the kitchen. You can recreate the delicious dish with this recipe and add your personal touch. So, don’t be afraid to try new recipes and experiment with ingredients to create your culinary masterpieces. Enjoy!
