During this time we are all probably thinking about the warmer summer months and holidays relaxing on tourist packed beaches eating the finest gelato. Well, don't let this dishearten you because it shouldn't stop you from enjoying great food from the places that you love or are dreaming of going to (eventually). So, if you’re a big fan of the summer, why not bring a bite of the glorious mediterannean onto your plate. These are my greek kebab bites inspired by Southern Europe and its big flavours.
With this recipe there are a few stages to it and a couple of them that should be done first just to make it easier! Also, we're using the BBQ for this one so get that going. Preparation for this should take about an hour, but check the time needed to marinate the Chicken Skewers first. Here are the four stages so you can follow.
1. Chicken Skewers
2. Yoghurt Dressing
3. Grilled Peppers
4. Pita Bread
Greek inspired chicken kebabs with homemade pita. Ridiculously good!
1. Chicken Skewers
*You're marinating the chicken so allow for about an hour.
Dice the chicken into even pieces and marinate in olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper and fresh thyme
Leave to marinate for about an hour or even longer! Once marinated, load them up onto the skewers. If you're using wooden skewers soak them in water first so they don’t burn on the BBQ.
2. Yoghurt Dressing (Or Tzatziki if you have cucumber)
This is next on the list because its super easy and you can get this done and out the way.
Ingredients
- Greek Yoghurt
- Mint
- Lemon
- Salt & Pepper
Method
In a bowl add some greek yoghurt, squeeze half a lemon, chopped mint, salt and pepper. Remember to taste just in case you need to make changes. If you have a cucumber, grate half of it, squeeze out the liquid and add to the yoghurt. Mix all together with a little drizzle of olive oil and put this to one side covered with cling film.
3. Grilled Peppers
This is a long stage.
Ingredients
- Red Bell Pepper (maybe 2 if you’re cooking for a lot)
Method
Cut the pepper into large chunks. Very difficult I know.
4. Pita Bread
This is the longest part of this dish but trust me, once done, the satisfaction of making your own pita bread is pretty sweet!
Ingredients
- 300g flour (7-8 pita breads)
- Salt
- Water
- Parsley (optional)
Method
1. In a bowl add the flour, a pinch of salt and the chopped parsley. Mix together and then slowly add the water continuing to mix in a bowl with a fork. Do this until your dough isn’t too wet so you can start to knead it.
2. Tip it out onto a lightly floured surface and begin to knead adding a little extra flour if needed. Once you have a nice non stick ball, cut the dough into around 7 or 8 smaller pieces and mould them into little balls just a bit bigger than a golf ball. These are your pita breads ready to be rolled.
3. Preheat either a pan or a griddle depending on what you have/prefer to use. With a rolling pin flatten out the first couple of pita doughs (you can roll out the others whilst the first two are cooking) until they are about 3mm thick and put these two pitas onto the pan/griddle on a medium heat. About 3 minutes on each side should be enough or until they are slightly brown, soft and charred.
4. Continue this process until all the pitas are done. They should be light, fluffy and easy enough to fold in half.
Now we’re ready for the BBQ so make sure that's ready to go. Add the chicken skewers onto the BBQ and let them do their thing, turning them every so often. Just make sure not to burn them. Add the peppers too and cook until they’re slightly charred and soft. Take them off and thinly slice them up (see photo above). Once the skewers are done, take them off. You’re finally ready to plate up!
Take one of those fresh pita breads (maybe just warm them up) and one of the chicken skewers. Place the skewer in the centre and hold the chicken with the pita whilst pulling skewer out. The chicken should remain nicely placed in the centre. Cheeky tip for you. Place some of the bell peppers over the top and drizzle some of the yoghurt dressing. Fold the sides of the pita almost like a taco and enjoy!
A little preparation is needed for this one but believe me, these are so tasty and some fun elements to it from making your own pita bread to grilling the marinated chicken. Seriously guys, give this a go!