Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook is a popular Lebanese dish consisting of marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a delightful smoky flavor. Traditionally served with pita bread, garlic sauce, and pickles, it's a beloved meal in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup plain natural or Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Prepare the Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, about 4–5 pieces per skewer.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for about 4–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

   • Oven: Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Place the skewers on a half sheet pan, allowing them to stay on the rim so the chicken isn't touching the pan. Add half a cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Bake for 30 minutes.

5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and tent with foil. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to lock in the juices. Serve over pita bread with Toum garlic sauce, pickles, and sumac onions.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 15g

• Sodium: 800mg