Pistachio dukkah and shish taouk

Middle Eastern food is a great option for entertaining and enjoying a meal with friends and family as the platters make for easy eating and friendly conversations. This recipe for shish taouk and pistachio dukkah comes from fellow food lover, Yasmin Kharwa, as one of her favourite dishes to prepare for Iftar. Shish taouk, similar to shish kebabs, is a traditional Middle Eastern cuisine made in many kebab houses. The squared cubes of chicken are marinated and grilled and served with a variety of dips and pastes. Her pistachio dukkah is best served on thick yoghurt. Tuck in.

Ingredients for pistachio dukkah

Makes: 1 cup | Prep time: 20 minutes

¼ cup ground almonds
¼ cup ground pistachios
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp sumac
2 Tbsp ground coriander
2 Tbsp ground cumin
½ tsp granulated sugar
Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a small roasting pan and toast over low heat for a few minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add in the sugar and a dash of salt and pepper.
3. Keep in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

‘Dukkah can be eaten with olive oil and bread. I love to generously spoon it over homemade labneh and eat it with soft bread.’ – Yasmin Kharwa

Ingredients for shish taouk

Prep time: Overnight marinating | Cook time: 15 min

500g chicken strips
2 tsp sumac
¼ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp ground cumin
Dash of cinnamon
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 tsp honey
Juice of ½ lemon
1 Tbsp garlic flavoured olive oil

Method:

1. Marinate chicken with all the above ingredients preferably overnight or for a few hours.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the strips until tender and soft.
3. Serve immediately with toasted pitas and hummus.

These spiced chicken strips are mild in spice and full of flavour and will soon become a family favourite of yours as well. They are so simple to prepare and make a perfect quick lunch or dinner.

Special thanks to Yasmin Kharwa for sharing her recipes
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