August 4, 2015

Secret Recipe: Spiced Kebabs

The secret to great tasting kebabs lies in a spice-filled marinade. These skewers boast a variety of colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and a modest amount of lean turkey. The medley of cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper and cinnamon spices gives the dish a Moroccan flair. Marinating meats may also help prevent the formation of cancer-causing substances.

Moroccan Kebabs with Vegetables and Turkey

8 wooden or metal kebab skewers

4 large cloves garlic

3 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. cumin

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste

1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 lb. boneless, skinless turkey breast (or chicken breast)

1 medium green bell pepper

1 medium orange bell pepper

1 medium yellow bell pepper

16 cherry tomatoes

1 small onion

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

Soak wooden kebab skewers in water.

Line 2 large rimmed baking pans with foil (1 pan if grilling).

Mince garlic.

In medium mixing bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and salt and pepper to taste.

Remove 2 tablespoons marinade and set aside in large bowl.

Cut turkey breast into 16 equal size chucks. Add turkey to medium bowl with remaining marinade and toss well. Set turkey aside to marinate.

Cut and seed each bell pepper; cut into 8 pieces and add to large bowl with reserved marinade. Add cherry tomatoes and toss to coat with marinade.

Cut onion in half lengthwise and then each half into quarters, making 8 wedges.

To assemble kebabs on skewers slide on tomato, green pepper, turkey, half an onion wedge, red pepper, other half onion wedge, turkey, yellow pepper and tomato or in preferred order. Lay kebabs on baking pan(s).

If broiling, position oven cooking rack 6 inches from broiler and turn on high. If grilling, prepare grill.

Broil or grill kebabs 6 minutes. Turn kebabs and cook 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature of turkey is 165 degrees F.

Serve with yogurt.

Makes 4 servings (2 kebabs each).

Per serving: 286 calories, 12 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 14 g carbohydrate, 32 g protein, 3 g dietary fiber, 80 mg sodium.

From aicr.org