Cyprus Souvla is a traditional Cypriot dish featuring large pieces of meat, typically lamb or chicken, marinated and grilled on skewers over an open flame. This classic cooking method, known as Souvla, is similar to Greek Souvlaki and Turkish Shish Kebab but is distinguished by its unique preparation and flavor profile.
Cyprus Souvla has deep roots in Cypriot culture and cuisine. This dish represents a cherished tradition, often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. The technique of cooking meat slowly over an open flame has been passed down through generations, reflecting the Cypriots' dedication to preserving culinary heritage. The smoky flavor from the charcoal grill and the tender, juicy meat embody the essence of Cypriot hospitality and celebration.
Ingredients
- Meat: Traditionally lamb (leg of lamb) or chicken, but pork can also be used.
- Marinade: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme.
- Accompaniments: Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, tzatziki sauce, pita bread.
Instructions
1. Choose the Meat: Select large pieces of meat such as a leg of lamb or a whole chicken for even cooking on the skewers.
2. Marinate: Marinate the meat for several hours or overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme to enhance flavor and tenderness.
3. Prepare the Skewers: Use long metal skewers, approximately 1 meter in length, to thread the marinated meat. Optionally, include vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes for added flavor.
4. Build the Fire: Light a charcoal grill and arrange the charcoal in a pyramid shape. Allow the charcoal to burn down to hot coals for optimal grilling conditions.
5. Cook the Meat: Place the skewers on the grill and rotate slowly for even cooking. Grill for approximately 2-3 hours, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender.
6. Serve: Remove the meat from the skewers and serve with a side salad, pita bread, and tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
This flavorful and aromatic dish is a testament to Cypriot culinary tradition and is enjoyed by food enthusiasts worldwide.
Nutrition Value:
1. Meat (Leg of Lamb or Chicken)
- calories: Lamb (approximately 282 calories per 100 grams); Chicken (approximately 165 calories per 100 grams)
- carbohydrates: Minimal (negligible amounts)
- protein: Lamb (approximately 25 grams per 100 grams); Chicken (approximately 31 grams per 100 grams)
- fat: Lamb (approximately 20 grams per 100 grams); Chicken (approximately 3.6 grams per 100 grams)
- sodium: Minimal, varies depending on preparation and seasoning
- cholesterol: Lamb (approximately 97 mg per 100 grams); Chicken (approximately 85 mg per 100 grams)
- vitamins: Lamb provides B vitamins, particularly B12, essential for red blood cell formation. Chicken is also a good source of B vitamins, including niacin (B3) and B6.
- minerals: Both lamb and chicken are rich in essential minerals like iron, zinc, and phosphorus.
- nutritional benefit: Meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Lamb offers higher fat content but is rich in vitamins and minerals. Chicken is leaner with lower fat content and is also nutrient-dense.
2. Marinade
- olive oil:
- calories: Approximately 884 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 0 grams
- protein: 0 grams
- fat: Approximately 100 grams (primarily monounsaturated fats)
- sodium: Minimal
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant.
- minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.
- nutritional benefit: Olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
- lemon juice:
- calories: Approximately 29 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 9 grams (primarily from sugars)
- protein: 0.6 grams
- fat: 0.3 grams
- sodium: 1 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: High in Vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
- minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and magnesium.
- nutritional benefit: Lemon juice adds flavor and vitamin C, enhancing immune health and acting as an antioxidant.
- garlic:
- calories: Approximately 149 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 33 grams (mostly from sugars and fiber)
- protein: 6.4 grams
- fat: 0.5 grams
- sodium: 17 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and B vitamins.
- minerals: Rich in manganese, calcium, and potassium.
- nutritional benefit: Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and supports cardiovascular health.
- salt:
- calories: 0 calories
- carbohydrates: 0 grams
- protein: 0 grams
- fat: 0 grams
- sodium: Approximately 40,000 mg per 100 grams
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: None
- minerals: Sodium
- nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.
- pepper:
- calories: Approximately 251 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 64 grams
- protein: 10 grams
- fat: 3.3 grams
- sodium: 4 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Contains Vitamin K and small amounts of Vitamin C.
- minerals: Rich in iron and manganese.
- nutritional benefit: Pepper adds flavor and contains antioxidants that may support digestion and metabolism.
- oregano:
- calories: Approximately 265 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 60 grams
- protein: 9 grams
- fat: 7 grams
- sodium: 15 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Rich in Vitamin K and small amounts of Vitamin A and C.
- minerals: Contains calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- nutritional benefit: Oregano has antioxidant properties and supports digestion and immune function.
- thyme:
- calories: Approximately 101 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 24 grams
- protein: 5 grams
- fat: 1.7 grams
- sodium: 0 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
- minerals: Rich in iron and manganese.
- nutritional benefit: Thyme provides antioxidants and supports respiratory health and digestion.
3. Accompaniments
- tomatoes:
- calories: Approximately 18 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 3.9 grams
- protein: 0.9 grams
- fat: 0.2 grams
- sodium: 5 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
- minerals: Contains potassium and folate.
- nutritional benefit: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and support heart health and skin health.
- cucumbers:
- calories: Approximately 16 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 3.6 grams
- protein: 0.7 grams
- fat: 0.1 grams
- sodium: 2 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Contains Vitamin K and small amounts of Vitamin C.
- minerals: Provides potassium and magnesium.
- nutritional benefit: Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, supporting hydration and digestive health.
- onions:
- calories: Approximately 40 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 9 grams
- protein: 1.1 grams
- fat: 0.1 grams
- sodium: 4 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.
- minerals: Contains potassium and manganese.
- nutritional benefit: Onions have anti-inflammatory properties and support immune health and heart health.
- tzatziki sauce:
- calories: Approximately 60 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 4 grams
- protein: 3 grams
- fat: 4 grams
- sodium: 200 mg (varies by recipe)
- cholesterol: 15 mg
- vitamins: Contains Vitamin C from cucumbers and Vitamin A from yogurt.
- minerals: Provides calcium from yogurt.
- nutritional benefit: Tzatziki sauce offers a cool, refreshing complement to the meat and provides probiotics from yogurt.
- pita bread:
- calories: Approximately 275 calories per 100 grams
- carbohydrates: 55 grams
- protein: 9 grams
- fat: 1.5 grams
- sodium: 500 mg
- cholesterol: 0 mg
- vitamins: Contains B vitamins, including B6 and niacin.
- minerals: Provides iron and calcium.
- nutritional benefit: Pita bread provides energy through carbohydrates and supports overall nutrient intake.
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