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In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt or sour cream, tomato paste, vegetable oil, lemon juice or vinegar, honey or sugar (if using), ground cumin, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth.
2. **Add Fresh Herbs:**
Stir in the fresh chopped herbs of your choice—parsley, cilantro, or dill all work well. These herbs add a fresh, vibrant touch to the sauce.
3. **Season to Taste:**
Add salt and pepper to the sauce to taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can also add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce. Once everything is mixed together, set the sauce aside in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve.
#### Step 3: Skewer and Grill the Shashlik
1. **Prepare the Skewers:**
If you’re using metal skewers, make sure they’re clean and ready to go. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. **Skewer the Marinated Meat:**
Thread the marinated meat cubes onto the skewers. You can alternate the meat with pieces of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes if you like.
3. **Preheat the Grill:**
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, make sure it’s hot before you start grilling the shashlik.
4. **Grill the Shashlik:**
Place the skewers on the grill, ensuring they are not crowded. Grill the meat for 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The meat should be golden brown and slightly charred on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of meat you use, so be sure to check for doneness.
#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your shashlik is grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy bite every time.
Serve the shashlik with the homemade sauce on the side, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Pair it with some grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some warm flatbread to make this meal truly spectacular.
### Tips for Perfect Shashlik:
* **Meat Choice:** While lamb is the traditional choice for shashlik, beef, chicken, or pork work just as well. For beef, choose cuts like sirloin or ribeye for tenderness, while chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful.
* **Marinate Long Enough:** The longer you marinate the meat, the better the flavor will be. Try to marinate for at least a few hours, or overnight if you can.
* **Grill Temperature:** It’s essential to have a hot grill when cooking shashlik. The high heat helps create a nice char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy inside.
* **Add Vegetables:** For extra flavor, you can alternate the meat with vegetables on the skewers, such as onions, bell peppers, or zucchini.
### Conclusion
This fantastic shashlik recipe, combined with a flavorful homemade sauce, is sure to impress at your next barbecue or gathering. The marinade brings out the best in the meat, while the sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the smoky flavors from the grill. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or new to the world of shashlik, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, grilled food. So fire up that grill, skewer up the meat, and enjoy the ultimate shashlik experience!
