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Greek Souvlaki
Introduction
Welcome to the sunny shores of Greece, right in your own kitchen! Today, we’re making Greek Souvlaki—a classic street food that’s perfect for a quick and delicious lunch. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Souvlaki is all about juicy, marinated meat, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh vegetables and warm pita bread. It's a dish that captures the essence of Greek cuisine: simple, flavorful, and made to be shared.
A Short Story
Souvlaki has been a favorite in Greece for centuries, with its origins tracing back to ancient times. The word "souvlaki" means "skewer," which refers to the traditional method of cooking the meat on skewers over an open flame. In Greece, you’ll find souvlaki stands on almost every corner, serving up these tasty skewers to locals and tourists alike. When I first visited Athens, I fell in love with the simplicity and flavor of souvlaki—it was a meal that brought people together, whether enjoying it on a bustling street or at a family dinner table.
When to Serve
Greek Souvlaki is a fantastic choice for a casual family lunch or a relaxed dinner. It’s also ideal for outdoor grilling in the warmer months, making it perfect for BBQs and picnics. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a taste of summer to your table even in the colder months.
Beverage Pairing
To complement the flavors of the souvlaki, a glass of chilled Retsina or a dry white wine like Assyrtiko is a great choice. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a cold lemonade or iced tea with a splash of mint will pair beautifully with the meal.
Ingredients
For the Souvlaki:
500g pork tenderloin (or chicken breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
4 pita breads
1 large tomato, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the pork or chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until well coated.
Cover the bowl and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
2. Skewer the Meat:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
3. Grill the Souvlaki:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
4. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the souvlaki is resting, warm the pita breads on the grill for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re soft and slightly charred.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread.
Add the grilled meat, followed by slices of tomato, red onion, and cucumber.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Fold the pita over the filling, and your souvlaki is ready to enjoy!
Serving Tips
Make-Ahead: You can marinate the meat the night before to save time. Just grill it when you’re ready to eat.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, the grilled meat can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes a great addition to salads or wraps.
Presentation: Serve the souvlaki with extra tzatziki on the side, along with a simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fat 20g
Fiber 4g
Sodium 600mg
Shortcut Tips
Pre-Cut Meat: Save time by buying pre-cut meat or ask your butcher to cut it for you.
Store-Bought Tzatziki: Use a good-quality store-bought tzatziki to skip making it from scratch.
Oven Option: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the skewers under the oven broiler for about 10 minutes, turning once.