National Dish Israel: Sumac Chicken Skewers (Recipe)
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Fire up the grill for Sumac Chicken Skewers, a bright and aromatic highlight of Israeli cooking. Tender pieces of chicken take on a gentle, citrusy tang from sumac, the crimson spice that sets these skewers apart from every other kebab. Quick to marinate and even quicker to cook, they are perfect for an outdoor barbecue or as a moreish starter that will steal the show at your next dinner.
About Sumac Chicken Skewers
Sumac Chicken Skewers are a genuine highlight of the Israeli table. These tender chicken skewers win people over with their distinctive flavour, which comes from sumac, a fragrant, deep-red spice. Marinating the meat in sumac lends the skewers a light, lemony freshness that lifts them above ordinary chicken dishes. Ideal for grilling in the garden or serving as a tasty appetiser, they are guaranteed to become the star of your next meal.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g chicken breast fillet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for sumac chicken skewers, it pays to pick out good-quality chicken breast fillet, as fresh meat makes for especially tender skewers. Sumac is stocked by many well-supplied supermarkets and by specialist spice shops. The other ingredients, such as olive oil and fresh garlic, should also be of high quality to guarantee the best possible aroma.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the dish begins with the marinade. Here the chicken pieces are steeped in a mixture of olive oil, sumac, lemon juice and garlic. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes — a few hours is even better — so the flavours can soak right in. While the marinade does its work, you can get the skewers ready and heat up the grill.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cut the chicken breast fillets into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, sumac, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Preheat the grill and cook the skewers for around 10–15 minutes, turning them regularly.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Sumac chicken skewers are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since every ingredient used is free of wheat and dairy. Do take care, though, to avoid any gluten-containing marinades or sauces if you are preparing these grilled skewers for a gluten-free diet. Reaching for fresh herbs and spices is always a good way to add extra flavour without introducing lactose or gluten.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, the sumac chicken skewers are easy to adapt by using plant-based alternatives. Instead of chicken you can use tofu or firm tempeh, which marinates just as beautifully. Feel free to tweak the marinade to your own taste to hit exactly the flavour you are after. Grilled vegetables such as peppers, courgette and aubergine can also be threaded onto the skewers for a delicious, satisfying option.
More tips and tricks
A few tips and tricks for the preparation: use a grill with a lid to achieve an even distribution of heat. With wooden skewers it is well worth soaking them in water before threading, to stop them from burning. You can also adjust the grilling time depending on how well done you like your chicken. A grill temperature of around 200–220 °C is ideal for the skewers.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting the recipe to personal preference is very simple. Experiment with different spices and herbs to vary the flavour. The sumac, for example, can be swapped for paprika or harissa to give the skewers a different character. The sides can be prepared however you like too, such as a fresh herb salad or a seasoned yogurt to round out the flavours — much like the cooling dressing in a Yogurt And Cucumber Dip.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are a few alternatives worth considering. In place of olive oil, for instance, you could use rapeseed or sunflower oil. The flavour of sumac can be recreated with lemon or orange zest combined with a little vinegar, which likewise adds a fresh note. Be creative and try out different combinations to develop your own favourite version of the recipe.
Drink pairing ideas
A wide range of drinks pairs well with Sumac Chicken Skewers. A refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, harmonises wonderfully with the aromas of the punchy marinade. Alternatively, you could offer a fuller cocktail like a Gin Fizz or a refreshing lemonade. Aim to make the drinks appealing not only in taste but also in appearance, to enhance the overall dining experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your sumac chicken skewers can make all the difference. Serve the skewers on a handsome wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or coriander. Individual portions can be arranged on small plates alongside a side of yogurt or hummus. You might also offer a colourful salad or grilled vegetables to create an attractive combination of colours and lift the whole dish visually.
A bit of history
The background to Israeli cuisine is every bit as fascinating as the dish itself. Israeli food is a blend of the many cultural influences that have shaped the region. The use of spices such as sumac is deeply rooted in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. This mixture is what makes Israeli cuisine so distinctive, and the sumac chicken skewers are a superb example of the flavours that define its richness.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sumac Chicken Skewers
Sumac Chicken Skewers are a delicious and fuss-free way to bring Mediterranean cooking into your own kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and the aromatic sumac marinade, you will delight your palate and that of your guests. Whether at an outdoor barbecue or served as a tasty starter, these skewers are always a treat. Let them inspire you and experiment with different variations to create your own perfect dish.
