Souvlaki recipe

souvlaki recipe

Souvlakia recipe

Ah, Souvlaki—the Greek masterpiece that turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed journey. Imagine succulent pieces of marinated meat—traditionally pork, though chicken and lamb are equally at home—threaded onto skewers and grilled until they’re kissed by smoky char. This isn’t just food; it’s a Mediterranean escape on a stick. Souvlaki is the quintessential street food, perfect for on-the-go snacking or tucked into a soft pita, loaded with cool, tangy tzatziki, crisp tomatoes, sharp onions, and, of course, a handful of fries (because in Greece, doubling up on carbs isn’t a mistake—it’s a tradition).

The beauty of souvlaki is its effortless elegance. It’s just meat, a handful of herbs, a splash of lemon, and a whole lot of heart. Yet, it tastes like it was dreamed up by the gods themselves—perhaps while lounging on Mount Olympus, debating the merits of oregano versus thyme. It’s the kind of dish that demands you ditch the fork, embrace the mess, and maybe even hum a little bouzouki tune as you eat. And let’s talk about tzatziki, that velvety, garlic-infused yogurt sauce that’s the perfect partner to souvlaki’s bold flavors. Together, they’re a match made in culinary heaven, a duo so good they should have their own sitcom.

Whether you’re savoring it from a bustling street cart in Athens, firing up the grill at home, or daydreaming of a seaside taverna while standing in your backyard, souvlaki is a universal delight. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it has the power to whisk you away to a sun-drenched Greek island, even if you’re just in your living room in pajamas. So, light up the grill, skewer your meat, and let souvlaki take you on a delicious adventure to a world of azure waters, whitewashed villages, and endless olive groves. And don’t forget the napkins—this is a joyfully messy affair. Opa!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Pita bread, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  3. Thread the chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers.
  4. Grill the skewers over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve the souvlaki in pita bread with your favorite toppings.

Tips:

  • You can use other meats for souvlaki, such as pork or lamb.
  • You can also add other vegetables to the skewers, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
  • Serve the souvlaki with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.