Discover the authentic flavors of khorovats, a traditional Armenian barbecue featuring marinated lamb, beef, or chicken grilled over open flames. Served with grilled vegetables and lavash bread, it's a delicious taste of Armenia's culinary heritage.
Ingredients for Khorovats (Armenian Barbecue):
- Lamb, beef, or chicken (cut into pieces suitable for grilling)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Onion (thinly sliced)
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano)
- Grilled vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggplant)
- Lavash bread (traditional Armenian flatbread)
Method of Preparation:
Marinating the Meat:
1- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, sliced onion, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and fresh herbs.
2- Add the meat pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the flavors to develop.
Preparing the Grill:
1- Prepare an open flame or charcoal grill for medium-high heat. Allow the flames to die down and the coals to become hot and ashen.
Grilling the Meat:
1- Take the marinated meat out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2- Thread the meat pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
3- Place the skewers on the grill, directly over the heat source.
4- Grill the meat, turning occasionally, until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and the heat of the grill.
5- Remove the skewers from the grill and let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.
Grilling the Vegetables:
1- While the meat is grilling, you can also grill the vegetables. Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2- Place the vegetables on the grill and cook until they are tender and slightly charred, turning them occasionally.
Serving:
1- Arrange the grilled meat on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
2- Serve the khorovats with the grilled vegetables and lavash bread.
3- You can also serve it with traditional Armenian side dishes like pickles, salads, and yogurt.
Note: The cooking times mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of the meat. It's important to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming.
Enjoy your delicious khorovats (Armenian Barbecue) with the vibrant flavors of marinated meats, grilled vegetables, and the delightful addition of lavash bread!
Nutritional Values:
It's important to note that the specific nutritional values of a khorovats dish can vary depending on the cut of meat used, the amount of marinade absorbed, and the portion sizes. However, here is a general overview of the approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients you provided:
1. Lamb (per 100g):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 63mg
Benefits:
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation.
- Good source of iron for maintaining healthy blood levels.
2. Beef (per 100g):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 17g
- Sodium: 54mg
Benefits:
- Provides antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
- Good source of protein for muscle health.
3. Chicken (per 100g, skinless, boneless):
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 3.6g
- Sodium: 74mg
Benefits:
- Lean protein source for muscle maintenance.
- Niacin supports energy metabolism.
4. Garlic (per clove, approximately 3g):
- Calories: 4
- Protein: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
Benefits:
- Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Good source of vitamin C for immune health.
5. Onion (per 100g):
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 1.1g
- Carbohydrates: 9.3g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Rich in antioxidants, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects.
- Good source of vitamin C for skin health.
6. Lemon Juice (per 100g, freshly squeezed):
- Calories: 22
- Protein: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 6.9g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
Benefits:
- Excellent source of vitamin C, promoting immune health.
- May aid digestion and contribute to skin health.
7. Red Wine Vinegar (per 100g):
- Calories: 20
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.4g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 8mg
Benefits:
- May offer small amounts of minerals like potassium.
- Potential antioxidant properties.
8. Olive Oil (per 100g):
- Calories: 884
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 100g
- Sodium: 2mg
Benefits:
- Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Contains antioxidants, including vitamin E.
9. Salt (per 1 teaspoon, approximately 6g):
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2300mg
Benefits:
- Necessary for electrolyte balance but should be consumed in moderation.
10. Black Pepper (per 1 teaspoon, approximately 2.3g):
- Calories: 6
- Protein: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1.6g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
Benefits:
- Contains antioxidants, potentially aiding digestion.
- Small amounts of manganese contribute to bone health.
11. Paprika (per 1 teaspoon, approximately 2.3g):
- Calories: 6
- Protein: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 1mg
Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin A and E.
- May contribute to skin and eye health.
12. Grilled Vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggplant):
- The nutritional values will vary depending on the specific vegetables used and the cooking method (grilled with or without oil).
- Generally, these vegetables are low in calories, contain fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
Benefits:
- Rich in fiber for digestive health.
- Various vitamins and minerals support overall well-being.
13. Lavash Bread (per 100g, approximate values):
- Calories: 298
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
Benefits:
- Provides energy through carbohydrates.
- Contains some B vitamins essential for metabolism.
Please note that the nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary based on different factors. It's always a good idea to refer to specific product labels or consult a registered dietitian\
for more accurate and personalized information.
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