Shish Taouk

Shish Taouk is a skewered chicken dish served with pure garlic paste, fries and pita bread that is hugely popular in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq and the rest of the Middle East.

The dish consists of cubes of chicken that are marinated, then skewered and grilled. Common marinades are based upon yogurt and lemon juice or tomato puree, though there are many variations. Shish taouk is typically eaten with toum (garlic paste).

The dish is eaten either as a sandwich or on a platter with vegetables, sometimes with rice or French fries. The Turkish version is generally served with rice and a garlic paste along with vegetables. The Lebanese version is usually served with hummus and tabbouleh. The sandwich version comes in a flat bread or pita seasoned with garlic paste, frequently accompanied by lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled turnips.

How to Make Shish Taouk

Ingredients
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1 lemon, juice of
1 tablespoon paprika
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup yogurt
2 tablespoons sumaq
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

1. Cut chicken breasts into pieces for skewers.
2. Mix remaining ingredients together to make a marinade.
3. Add chicken to marinade, mix well and refrigerate in a non-reactive container from 2-8 hours.
4. Thread chicken on skewers and grill or cook under a broiler.