Ingredients
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1 kilogram pork shoulder, boneless
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1 medium onion, grated
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt, heaping
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1 teaspoon black pepper, heaping
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¼ cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried Greek oregano, heaping
Summary
Souvlaki is one of the most popular Greek dishes, consisting of small cubes of skewered and grilled pork, chicken, lamb, or beef. It is a popular fast food item that is usually served in souvladzidika, small eateries that also often serve gyros and other similar grilled meat dishes.
Souvlaki first appeared in ancient Greece, when it was called kandaulos, consisting of a combination of grilled meat, pita bread, cheese, and dill. The name of the dish is a diminutive of the Greek word souvla, meaning spit.
The first souvlaki shop opened in Livadia in 1951, and today, souvlaki is sold in almost every Greek city, ordered as a takeaway, on the beaches, or on numerous street corners. It is usually served with a slice of bread or pita bread, tomatoes, parsley, onions, sometimes chips, and thick yogurt or tzatziki.
Steps
1
Done
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Cut off any excess fat or membranes from the meat, then cut it into equal sized cubes. |
2
Done
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Toss the meat in a large bowl together with all the marinade ingredients, then refrigerate for a minimum of five hours (best overnight). Also, place the wooden skewers in a shallow container filled with water overnight. |
3
Done
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The next day, take the meat out of the refrigerator and first wait until it comes to room temperature and then skewer it. |
4
Done
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Grill the souvlaki over medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep warm until ready to serve. Sprinkle the grilled souvlaki with salt and Greek oregano. |
5
Done
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Serve just with bread, or inside a pita with tzatziki sauce and toppings of your choice. |