Spiedini Vivaci alla Birra (Vibrant Beer Skewers)
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork (pig) meat | 560g |
| Sausage | 360g |
| Chicken breast | 280g |
| Smoked bacon (sliced) | 8 slices |
| Fresh sage leaves | 8 leaves |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs | 8 sprigs |
| Sweet paprika | 1 tsp |
| Red bell pepper | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Table salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Smoked bacon (pancetta, sliced) | 160g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for marinade) | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh sage leaves (for marinade) | 2 leaves |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs (for marinade) | 2 sprigs |
| Table salt (for marinade) | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper (for marinade) | To taste |
| Red beer (e.g., red ale) | 330 ml |
| Lemon (zested and juiced) | 1 |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Ripe tomatoes (chopped) | ½ |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for sauce) | 4 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 3 tbsp |
| Sweet paprika (for sauce) | 2 tsp |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs (for sauce) | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh basil leaves (for sauce) | 15 leaves |
| Green chili pepper (spicy) | ½ |
| Table salt (for sauce) | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper (for sauce) | To taste |
| Red beer (for sauce) | 150 ml |
| Fresh thyme sprigs (for sauce) | 2 sprigs |
Instructions:
Preparation for the Skewers:
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients needed to assemble the skewers.
- Cut the sausage into 8 equal pieces, forming bite-sized portions.
- Cut the smoked bacon into 8 pieces, each about 20g, and fold them in half, placing a fresh sage leaf inside each fold.
- Take a piece of chicken breast and place a small sprig of rosemary on top.
- Wash, dry, and remove the seeds and inner filaments from the bell peppers. Cut the peppers into strips and then into 16 square pieces of red and yellow pepper.
- Repeat this process for the remaining ingredients, creating identical skewers with the meats, bacon, herbs, and vegetables.
Marinade Preparation:
- In a small bowl, finely chop the fresh rosemary and sage leaves for the marinade.
- Add the chopped herbs to the bowl, then pour in the red beer, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients into a fragrant marinade.
- Pour this marinade over the assembled skewers, ensuring that they are evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Beer Sauce Preparation:
- While the skewers marinate, prepare the beer sauce. Finely chop the shallot, tomato, and green chili pepper. Mince the rosemary and thyme.
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the shallot until softened and aromatic.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, basil leaves, minced rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Stir in the rice vinegar and sweet paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the red beer and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the sauce has thickened.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée the sauce until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the skillet and let it simmer on low heat until it reduces into a thick, flavorful consistency. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed, and set the sauce aside.
Cooking the Skewers:
- Once the skewers have marinated, preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 20 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and a nice char on all sides.
- While grilling, baste the skewers with the leftover marinade to enhance the flavor and keep them moist.
- Cook until the meats are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Serving:
- Once the skewers are ready, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle with the beer sauce.
- Alternatively, you can serve the sauce in a separate bowl or salsiera, allowing guests to pour it over their skewers to their liking.
Serve these Spiedini Vivaci alla Birra with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy a delightful combination of smoky, herbed meat and a rich beer-infused sauce. Perfect for grilling season or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with something unique and flavorful!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Fat | 33g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Potassium | 700mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 50% of daily value |
| Calcium | 6% of daily value |
| Iron | 20% of daily value |
This hearty and flavorful recipe brings together a vibrant mix of meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all elevated by the richness of red beer. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts and foodies alike, Spiedini Vivaci alla Birra will definitely be a standout at your next gathering!
