Greek Souvlakia: A Flavorful Greek Delight
Overview
Greek Souvlakia, often referred to as the beloved cousin of the American hot dog, holds a special place in Greek culture, especially during summer gatherings and family celebrations. This delectable lamb dish is a staple at many Greek parties and is cherished for its robust, smoky flavor, tender texture, and ability to bring people together around the grill. If you enjoy bold, Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is perfect for you.
With a juicy lamb base marinated in a mix of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, fresh oregano, and a hint of Burgundy wine, these skewers are everything you need for an unforgettable summer feast. The recipe is simple, yet the results are nothing short of amazing. Serve it alongside a refreshing Greek salad, some pita bread, and tzatziki for a complete Greek experience.
Recipe Information
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Recipe Category: Lamb/Sheep
- Servings: 6
- Recipe Yield: Approx. 6 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless leg of lamb | 5 lbs |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/3 cup |
| Burgundy wine | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1211.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 100.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 33.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 260.8 mg |
| Sodium | 600.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugars | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 67.9 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Lamb: Begin by cutting the boneless leg of lamb into 1½ inch cubes, ensuring that you trim any excess fat to avoid flare-ups on the grill. These cubes should be uniform in size for even cooking.
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Make the Marinade: In a gallon-sized “zipper” bag, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Burgundy wine, salt, pepper, dried oregano, minced garlic, and bay leaves. The Burgundy wine adds depth to the marinade and enhances the overall flavor profile. Shake the bag well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
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Marinate the Lamb: Place the lamb cubes into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the meat. Make sure to shake the bag a few times during the marination process to redistribute the marinade and ensure even flavor absorption.
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Prepare the Skewers: After marinating, thread the lamb cubes onto metal skewers. Be careful not to pack the pieces too tightly together, as this will allow the meat to cook more evenly. The lamb should be snug on the skewer, but each piece should have a small amount of space around it for heat to circulate.
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Grill the Souvlakia: Preheat your grill to a high heat, preferably using charcoal for that authentic smoky flavor. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers of lamb on the grill. For the best results, ensure your grill is well-preheated and the fire is consistent.
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Grill and Turn: Grill the lamb for about 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers frequently to ensure that all sides are browned and cooked through. The lamb should be juicy on the inside, with a delicious, smoky char on the outside.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the grilled souvlakia with a side of fresh, crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. This traditional accompaniment will balance the flavors of the lamb beautifully.
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Wine Pairing: For an authentic Greek experience, pair this dish with a glass of full-bodied red wine, like a good Burgundy. Avoid “cooking wine,” as its flavor does not do justice to the marinade and can overpower the natural flavors of the lamb.
Cooking Tips
- Use Metal Skewers: While wooden skewers can work, metal skewers are ideal for grilling souvlakia, as they conduct heat evenly and help to cook the lamb uniformly.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While you can marinate the lamb for as little as a few hours, the 24-hour marination time yields the most flavorful results. The longer the meat marinates, the more infused it becomes with the vibrant, Mediterranean flavors.
- Grill Temperature: A hot, charcoal grill is recommended for this recipe as it imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the lamb’s richness. If using a gas grill, aim for a medium-high heat.
Variations
- Lamb Substitutes: While lamb is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, or beef for different variations of this recipe.
- Add Veggies: While not recommended by the recipe, some people enjoy adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes between the lamb cubes on the skewers. Just keep in mind that they may not grill as well as the meat and could become too soft.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Souvlakia is the ultimate summertime recipe, offering a blend of smoky, savory, and zesty flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply craving something rich in flavor, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more.
Enjoy your time with loved ones around the grill, and don’t forget to serve this dish with a glass of your favorite wine and a generous helping of Greek yogurt-based tzatziki sauce to complete the experience!
By following these steps, you’ll create a deliciously tender, flavorful Greek Souvlakia that captures the essence of Greek cooking, all while keeping the preparation and cooking time quick and easy. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings, summer parties, or any occasion that calls for a tasty and authentic Mediterranean meal!
