Mediterranean Pinchos Skewers
Savor the vibrant flavors of Spain with these Mediterranean Pinchos Skewers, a popular dish enjoyed in bars and restaurants throughout the country. Whether you choose succulent pork, tender lamb, juicy prawns, or flavorful chicken, these kebabs are marinated in a rich blend of spices and aromatics that celebrate the essence of Spanish cuisine. The combination of sweet and hot smoked paprika, fresh garlic, and earthy herbs creates a tantalizing marinade that infuses the meat with irresistible flavor. Perfect for sharing as tapas, these skewers are grilled to perfection and best served fresh off the grill, accompanied by a drizzle of olive oil and a slice of lemon. Gather your friends and family for an authentic taste of Spain that will transport you to sun-soaked streets filled with laughter and lively conversation.
8
Servings
119
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
large garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
Spanish sweet smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (ground)
Spanish hot smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
coarse salt (kosher or sea)
to taste (n/a)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
black peppercorns
1 teaspoon (whole)
dried thyme
2 teaspoons (dried)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
bay leaf
1 (crumbled)
white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (good quality)
dry white wine
2 tablespoons (optional)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (plus more for brushing)
chicken breasts or prawns
1 1/2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces if using chicken)
Instructions
1
In a mini food processor, combine the chopped onions, garlic, sweet and hot paprikas, coarse salt, oregano, black peppercorns, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, and crumbled bay leaf. Add the white wine vinegar, dry white wine (if using), and olive oil. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth marinade paste.
2
Place your choice of protein (chicken, prawns, or pork) into a large mixing bowl. Lightly rub the meat with a pinch of coarse salt to enhance its flavor.
3
Pour the marinade over the meat and mix well to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Remember to toss the meat a couple of times during the marination to ensure even coating.
4
Before grilling, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or use a large ridged grill pan over medium heat.
6
Thread the marinated meat onto skewers. Brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
7
Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with olive oil until the meat is cooked through. For lamb, adjust cooking time if you prefer it medium-rare. Ensure your meat reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safety.
8
Serve the pinchos immediately, drizzled with extra olive oil and accompanied by lemon wedges for added zest.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
1.9g
Carbs
8.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Pinchos Skewers?
Mediterranean Pinchos Skewers are a popular Spanish dish consisting of marinated meat or seafood, grilled to perfection and typically served as tapas in bars and restaurants across Spain.
Which types of protein can be used for these skewers?
You can use succulent pork, tender lamb, juicy prawns, or flavorful chicken for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 119 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of chopped onions, garlic, Spanish sweet and hot smoked paprika, oregano, black peppercorns, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, bay leaf, white wine vinegar, dry white wine, and olive oil.
How long should the meat marinate?
The meat should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate for 4 to 6 hours to let the flavors meld.
What kind of paprika is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of Spanish sweet smoked paprika and Spanish hot smoked paprika.
How should I prepare the marinade?
Combine the onions, garlic, spices, herbs, vinegar, wine, and oil in a mini food processor and blend until it forms a smooth paste.
Is the dry white wine essential?
The dry white wine is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
Should the meat be at room temperature before grilling?
Yes, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
What is the recommended cooking time on the grill?
Grill the skewers for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is cooked through.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or use a large ridged grill pan over medium heat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 8.8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the Pinchos?
There are 1.9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of salt is recommended?
Coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt, is recommended for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 4 large garlic cloves, chopped before being blended into the marinade.
What is the serving suggestion for these skewers?
Serve them immediately off the grill, drizzled with extra olive oil and accompanied by lemon wedges.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a large ridged grill pan over medium heat works perfectly for this recipe.
How do I prevent the meat from sticking to the grill?
Brush the skewers lightly with olive oil before placing them on the grill.
Should I toss the meat while it marinates?
Yes, it is recommended to toss the meat a couple of times during the marination process to ensure even coating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What size should the meat be cut into?
If using chicken or pork, the meat should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I cook the lamb medium-rare?
Yes, for lamb, you can adjust the cooking time if you prefer it medium-rare, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
What type of vinegar should be used?
A good quality white wine vinegar is recommended for the marinade.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
What are some common tags for this dish?
Common tags include pinchos, spanish kebabs, tapas, marinated skewers, and grilled meat.
How do I prepare the bay leaf for the marinade?
The bay leaf should be crumbled before being added to the food processor.
What culture does this dish originate from?
This is an authentic Spanish dish reflecting Mediterranean cuisine.
What equipment is needed for the marinade?
A mini food processor is needed to blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.