Spicy Piri-Piri Venison and Sweet Potato Kabobs
Savor the vibrant flavors of Africa with these Spicy Piri-Piri Kabobs. Tender pieces of marinated venison, sweet potato cubes, and colorful peppers come together on skewers, infused with a spicy piri-piri rub that gives each bite a delightful kick. Perfect for grilling on a warm evening, these kabobs are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. Ideal for outdoor gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises to impress with its exotic taste and aromatic spices. Whether you choose venison or beef, you'll enjoy this amazing culinary adventure!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet potato
1 lb (Peeled and cut into 1 1/4 inch cubes)
Boneless venison (or beef)
1 lb (Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces)
Red sweet peppers
2 (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For brushing kabobs)
Piri-piri spice mix
2 tablespoons (Store-bought or homemade)
Paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons (For seasoning)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (Crushed)
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Onion powder
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Ground piri-piri pepper (or ground red pepper)
1/2 teaspoon (For extra heat)
Instructions
1
Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling them (if desired) and cutting them into 1 1/4 inch cubes.
2
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and cook the sweet potato cubes for about 5 minutes or until they are slightly tender.
3
Drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the venison or beef pieces with olive oil, piri-piri spice mix, paprika, oregano, ginger, cardamom, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground piri-piri pepper. Toss well to coat all the meat evenly with the spices.
5
On four long metal skewers, alternately thread the marinated meat, sweet potato cubes, and pieces of red sweet peppers, leaving about a 1/4 inch space between each piece.
6
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill rack.
7
Place the assembled kabobs on the grill and cook for 25 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally until the sweet potatoes are tender and the meat is cooked through.
8
Remove from the grill and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Piri-Piri Venison and Sweet Potato Kabobs?
These are African-inspired skewers featuring marinated venison (or beef), sweet potato cubes, and red sweet peppers seasoned with a spicy piri-piri rub.
What type of meat can be used for these kabobs?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of boneless venison, but boneless beef is a perfect substitute.
How should I prepare the sweet potatoes?
Peel them if desired, cut them into 1 1/4 inch cubes, and parboil them in salted water for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional and can be done based on your personal preference.
Why do the sweet potatoes need to be boiled before grilling?
Boiling them for 5 minutes ensures they are tender by the time the meat is cooked through on the grill.
What size should the meat pieces be?
The venison or beef should be cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
What vegetables are included in the skewers?
The recipe uses sweet potatoes and red sweet peppers cut into bite-sized pieces.
What spices are in the piri-piri rub?
The spice mix includes piri-piri spice, paprika, dried oregano, ground ginger, ground cardamom, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground piri-piri pepper.
Can I use store-bought piri-piri spice mix?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought piri-piri spice mix or a homemade version.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil for coating the meat and brushing the kabobs.
How many red peppers do I need?
You will need 2 red sweet peppers cut into bite-sized pieces.
What is the recommended cooking method for the kabobs?
The kabobs should be grilled on a medium-heat grill.
How long do the kabobs take to cook on the grill?
They take between 25 to 35 minutes to cook, depending on your grill's heat and desired doneness.
Should I oil the grill rack?
Yes, it is recommended to lightly oil the grill rack before placing the kabobs on it.
How should the items be arranged on the skewers?
Alternately thread the marinated meat, sweet potato cubes, and red pepper pieces onto the skewers.
How much space should be left between the pieces on the skewer?
You should leave about a 1/4 inch space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
What kind of skewers are best for this recipe?
The instructions suggest using four long metal skewers.
Can I substitute piri-piri pepper if I cannot find it?
Yes, you can use ground red pepper as a substitute for ground piri-piri pepper for extra heat.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the combination of piri-piri spice and ground piri-piri pepper gives these kabobs a delightful kick.
How much sweet potato is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sweet potato.
How much paprika is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of paprika.
Is ginger used in this African-inspired recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger is included in the marinade.
Does the recipe include cardamom?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom is used to add to the aromatic spice profile.
What dried herb is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed dried oregano.
Are there onion and garlic in the rub?
Yes, both garlic powder and onion powder (1 teaspoon each) are used in the spice mix.
How do I know when the meat is done?
The meat is done when it is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender, usually after 25-35 minutes of grilling.
What can I use for garnishing?
You can garnish the finished kabobs with fresh herbs if desired.
Should the kabobs be served hot?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the kabobs hot right off the grill.
Is salt added to the meat marinade?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the mixing bowl with the spices and meat.
Can these kabobs be cooked indoors?
While the recipe specifies grilling, they could likely be cooked on an indoor grill pan or broiler using similar timings.