Welcome to the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani cuisine, where each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and a deep connection to the land. Among the culinary gems that grace the Azerbaijani table, none are as beloved and iconic as Azerbaijani Kebabs. These succulent and aromatic grilled delights have been perfected over generations, embodying the essence of Azerbaijani hospitality and culinary mastery.

In this culinary exploration, we invite you to embark on a gastronomic adventure, unlocking the secrets of Azerbaijani Kebabs that have been passed down through families for centuries. From the bustling markets of Baku to the quaint villages nestled in the Caucasus Mountains, the art of kebab-making is a cherished part of Azerbaijani identity.

Join us as we delve into the world of Azerbaijani Kebabs, unraveling the unique flavors, spices, and techniques that make each bite a celebration of the country's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to try something new, this journey promises to ignite your senses and transport you to the heart of Azerbaijan's vibrant food culture. Get ready to fire up the grill and experience the magic of Azerbaijani Kebabs right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of your preferred meat (lamb, beef, or a combination), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, finely grated
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sumac (optional, for a citrusy flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water if using wooden ones
• Flatbread for serving

Instructions:

Marinating the Meat:

1-In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, minced garlic, yogurt, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, sumac (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

2-Add the meat cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.

Preparation for Grilling:Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.

Skewering the Meat:Thread the marinated meat cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Grilling the Kebabs:

1-Place the skewers on the preheated grill, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked.

2-Grill the kebabs for about 10-15 minutes or until the meat is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and your grill's heat intensity.

Serve:

1-Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.

2-Serve the Azerbaijani Kebabs on a platter, accompanied by warm flatbread. You can also garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and additional sumac for extra flavor.

Enjoy the rich and smoky flavors of Azerbaijani Kebabs, a culinary delight that captures the essence of Azerbaijani cuisine!

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values for the recipe since they can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. However, I can offer approximate values for the individual components based on standard nutritional information. Please note that these are rough estimates and may not account for variations in portion sizes or specific brands:

Meat (lamb or beef):

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) of meat contains approximately 4000-4500 calories.
• Protein: 300-350 grams
• Fat: 300-350 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Provides essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Onion (1 large, finely grated):

• Calories: 60-70
• Protein: 1-2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help combat inflammation.
• Good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as folate.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 10-15
• Protein: 0.5 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams

benefits:

• Known for its potential immune-boosting properties.
• Contains allicin, a compound with potential cardiovascular benefits.

Plain Yogurt (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 30-40
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Fat: 1-2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams

benefits:

• Excellent source of probiotics, beneficial for gut health.
• Provides calcium and protein for bone and muscle health.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats may support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0.4 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1.3 grams

benefits:

• May aid digestion and provide relief from digestive issues.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5-10
• Protein: 0.2-0.4 grams
• Fat: 0.2-0.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams

benefits:

• Rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0.3 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 grams

benefits:

• Contains vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.
• May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sumac (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6-10 (if used)
• Protein: 0.2-0.4 grams
• Fat: 0.1-0.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams

benefits:

• Adds a citrusy flavor and may provide additional antioxidants.
• Traditional use includes potential digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits:

• Enhance flavor without adding significant calories.
• Can contribute trace minerals but should be consumed in moderation.

Wooden or Metal Skewers:

• Negligible caloric contribution

benefits: Essential for threading and grilling the kebabs.

Flatbread (for serving):

• Calories: Varies based on the type and size of flatbread.

benefits:

• A source of carbohydrates for energy.
• May provide dietary fiber depending on the type of flatbread used.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Adjustments may be needed based on your dietary preferences and requirements.