Originating in Central Asia, particularly in countries like Uzbekistan, kebabs are a beloved culinary tradition enjoyed worldwide. These grilled skewers of marinated meat, often lamb, beef, or chicken, are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Accompanied by fresh vegetables and served with warm bread, kebabs make for a satisfying and portable meal, perfect for enjoying on the go or at festive gatherings. With roots tracing back centuries, kebabs showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region, where the art of grilling meat has been perfected over generations. Today, they remain a popular street food across Uzbekistan and beyond, delighting food enthusiasts with their irresistible taste and cultural significance.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) of lamb, beef, or chicken, cut into cubes

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon of paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

2. Add the cubed meat to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

3. Once the meat has marinated, thread it onto skewers, alternating with any desired vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes.

4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. 

5. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

6. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

7. Serve the kebabs hot with your choice of accompaniments such as bread, rice, or salad.

Enjoy your delicious homemade kebabs!

Nutrition Value:

1. Meat (lamb, beef, or chicken):

  - Calories: Varies depending on the type of meat, roughly 250-300 calories per 4 oz (113g) serving.

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal, usually less than 1 gram per serving.

  - Protein: High protein content, approximately 25-30 grams per serving.

  - Fat: Varies depending on the cut of meat, typically around 15-20 grams per serving.

  - Sodium: Naturally occurring, minimal if unseasoned.

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on the type of meat and cut, but generally contains cholesterol.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins (especially B12), zinc, iron, and selenium.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients, contributes to muscle growth and repair.

2. Onion:

  - Calories: Approximately 40 calories per medium-sized onion.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 10 grams per onion.

  - Protein: About 1 gram per onion.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and manganese.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, and may support heart health and immune function.

3. Garlic:

  - Calories: Roughly 4 calories per clove.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 1 gram per clove.

  - Protein: Negligible protein content.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Very low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins C and B6, manganese, and trace amounts of other nutrients.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Garlic is renowned for its potential health benefits, including immune system support, heart health, and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Olive Oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon.

  - Carbohydrates: No carbohydrates.

  - Protein: No significant protein content.

  - Fat: High in healthy monounsaturated fats, about 14 grams per tablespoon.

  - Sodium: Minimal sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Olive oil is a source of healthy fats, which may promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.

5. Lemon Juice:

  - Calories: Roughly 4 calories per tablespoon.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram per tablespoon.

  - Protein: Negligible protein content.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Very low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of vitamin C, small amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, and folate.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Lemon juice adds flavor and provides vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.

6. Ground Cumin:

  - Calories: Approximately 8 calories per teaspoon.

  - Carbohydrates: Around 1 gram per teaspoon.

  - Protein: About 0.3 grams per teaspoon.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains iron, manganese, and small amounts of other nutrients.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Cumin may aid digestion, improve blood sugar control, and provide antioxidant benefits.

7. Paprika:

  - Calories: Roughly 6 calories per teaspoon.

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.3 grams per teaspoon.

  - Protein: Around 0.3 grams per teaspoon.

  - Fat: Negligible fat content.

  - Sodium: Very low in sodium.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and other nutrients.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Paprika contains antioxidants that may support eye health, immune function, and reduce inflammation.

8. Salt and Pepper:

  - Calories: Negligible calorie content.

  - Carbohydrates: No carbohydrates.

  - Protein: No protein content.

  - Fat: No fat content.

  - Sodium: High in sodium (for salt).

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Minimal nutritional value.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Used in moderation, salt enhances flavor, while pepper adds a spicy kick and contains small amounts of antioxidants.

9. Skewers (if wooden):

  - Calories: Negligible calorie content.

  - Carbohydrates: No carbohydrates.

  - Protein: No protein content.

  - Fat: No fat content.

  - Sodium: No sodium content.

  - Cholesterol: Cholesterol-free.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: No significant nutritional value.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Skewers are used for food preparation and serving, providing convenience for grilling kebabs.