Shish Tawook – Recipe & Cooking Method

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Shish Tawook – Recipe & Cooking Method

Welcome everyone to today’s dish! We’re preparing the delicious and flavorful Shish Tawook. The name itself comes from Turkish: “Shish” meaning sword or skewer, and “Tawook” meaning chicken. This dish is one of the highlights of gatherings and feasts, loved for its smoky aroma and tender marinated chicken. Let’s get started!

Ingredients (Serves 6)

Shish Tawook

 

  • 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into medium cubes

  • 1 small onion

  • ¼ red bell pepper

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

  • 1 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tsp mustard

  • 1 tbsp vinegar

  • ½ cup yogurt

  • ½ cup cooking cream (heavy cream)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • ½ tsp fresh rosemary

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp ground coriander

  • ½ tsp curry powder

  • ½ tsp ginger powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp turmeric

  • Onion peels (for aroma)

  • ¼ tsp ground bay leaf

  • ¼ tsp dried basil

  • Vegetables for skewering: zucchini, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers (optional, according to preference)

Preparation

Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade
In a food processor, add: onion, red bell pepper, yogurt, vinegar, olive oil, egg, lemon zest, mustard, ketchup, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, turmeric, ginger, curry powder, ground coriander, thyme, cumin, basil, and bay leaf. Blend well until it becomes a smooth, fragrant marinade. (Keep rosemary and cooking cream aside for later.)

Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the marinade with the cooking cream and rosemary. Mix thoroughly. Add the chicken pieces and coat them completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) so the flavors fully infuse.

Step 3 – Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, alternating with vegetables of your choice (zucchini, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers). Arrange them neatly on metal or wooden skewers.

Step 4 – Cook the Shish Tawook
Preheat the oven to 200–220°C (390–430°F). Place the skewers on a baking tray with a rack so heat circulates evenly. Roast until the chicken is fully cooked, turning occasionally for even browning. About 10 minutes before removing from the oven, switch on the broiler (top grill) to give the skewers a beautiful golden color.

Serve your Shish Tawook hot with rice, fries, bread, or a fresh salad. The result? Juicy, smoky, and irresistibly tender chicken skewers that capture the true spirit of Mediterranean feasts.

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