Dakota Delight: Gourmet Chislic Skewers
Experience a slice of South Dakota history with our Dakota Delight Chislic Skewers! This beloved dish has humble origins, crafted by Ervin Schimkat in Parker, South Dakota, as a perfect snack to accompany local beers in his bar. Chislic, derived from German culinary traditions, translates to 'meat on a stick' and has delighted taste buds for generations. With lamb or venison marinated in a delightful blend of zesty Italian and French dressings, these skewers deliver a savory explosion of flavor, perfectly grilled to juicy perfection. They make for an incredible sharing dish at family gatherings, barbecues, or Game Day parties, paying homage to the Old Country while bringing a modern twist to rustic fare. Pair them with a sprinkle of garlic salt and a dab of hot sauce for an unforgettable taste experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zesty Italian dressing
1 cup (ready to use)
Dorothy Lynch French dressing
1 cup (ready to use)
Lamb or venison
1 lb (remove all fat and cut into 1-2 inch chunks)
Garlic salt
to taste (ready to use)
Hot sauce
to taste (ready to use)
Instructions
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1. Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
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2. Carefully cut your chosen meat (lamb or venison) into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1-2 inches.
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3. In a mixing bowl, marinate the meat in a combination of zesty Italian dressing and Dorothy Lynch French dressing. Cover it tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, although overnight is ideal for deeper flavor absorption.
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4. After marinating, drain off the excess dressing from the meat. Thread the marinated meat pieces evenly onto the soaked wooden skewers.
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5. Preheat your grill to a high temperature. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat reaches your preferred level of doneness (medium rare to medium is most traditional).
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6. Alternatively, for indoor cooking, place the skewers under a broiler or deep fry them without skewering if you prefer that method.
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7. Once cooked, serve your chislic hot, garnished with a sprinkle of garlic salt and optionally drizzled with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dakota Delight Chislic?
Dakota Delight Chislic is a traditional South Dakota snack consisting of marinated meat, usually lamb or venison, grilled on skewers.
Who is the creator of this specific Chislic recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Ervin Schimkat, who crafted it in Parker, South Dakota.
What does the word 'Chislic' mean?
Derived from German culinary traditions, Chislic translates to 'meat on a stick'.
What types of meat are recommended for this recipe?
Lamb or venison are the traditional choices for this Dakota-style recipe.
How should the meat be prepared before marinating?
You should remove all fat and cut the meat into bite-sized chunks of approximately 1 to 2 inches.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade is a combination of zesty Italian dressing and Dorothy Lynch French dressing.
How long should the meat marinate?
The meat should marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is ideal for the best flavor absorption.
Why do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning while on the grill.
How long should the skewers soak in water?
They should be soaked for at least 20 minutes before use.
What is the best way to cook Chislic?
The most traditional method is grilling on high heat, though they can also be broiled or deep fried.
How long do the skewers take to grill?
They typically take 5 to 7 minutes on a high-temperature grill.
What is the traditional level of doneness for Chislic?
The traditional preference is medium rare to medium.
Should I turn the skewers while cooking?
Yes, turn them occasionally to ensure the meat is cooked evenly on all sides.
What seasoning is used after the meat is cooked?
Once cooked, the chislic is garnished with a sprinkle of garlic salt.
Can I add any spice to this dish?
Yes, you can drizzle the hot skewers with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
What are the best occasions to serve Chislic?
It is perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or Game Day parties.
How should Chislic be served?
It should be served hot, immediately after cooking, with garlic salt and optional hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can use a broiler indoors or deep fry the meat chunks without using skewers.
What beverage pairs well with Chislic?
It was originally created to accompany local beers in a bar setting.
Is Dorothy Lynch dressing required?
This specific recipe calls for Dorothy Lynch French dressing to achieve its signature Dakota flavor.
What is the origin of the meat on a stick concept?
It originates from Old Country German culinary traditions brought to South Dakota.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are five main ingredients: meat, two types of dressing, garlic salt, and hot sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple steps and few ingredients.
Do I need to drain the meat before skewering?
Yes, you should drain off the excess dressing after the marinating process is complete.
What kind of flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a savory, zesty, and slightly tangy flavor from the blend of Italian and French dressings.
Is the garlic salt applied before or after cooking?
The garlic salt is used as a garnish after the meat has been cooked.
Can I use beef for this recipe?
While lamb or venison are traditional, the technique can be applied to other meats, though the flavor will vary.
How is the meat kept juicy?
Marinating and quick grilling on high heat helps keep the meat chunks juicy.
Is this a main course dish?
It is primarily served as a snack food or a sharing dish rather than a full main course.
What is the historical significance of Parker, South Dakota in this recipe?
Parker is the location where Ervin Schimkat first popularized this beloved regional dish.