Mechoui Kebab Recipe | Les Filles Fattoush

In Syria, the word méchoui refers to grilling over charcoal, whether for meat or vegetables. The smoky smell is synonymous with the beautiful summer season when we gather on the terraces of our homes with family or friends. The griller is always the one who eats the fastest, because while we wait for the grilled food, the grilled food doesn't wait!

Ingredients (makes 6 to 8 skewers):

• 1 kg of medium-lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp sweet chili paste
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tbsp black pepper
• 1/2 tbsp Syrian seven-spice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper

Preparation :

In a bowl, mix the beef, sweet chili paste, vegetable oil, black pepper, seven-spice powder, salt, and Aleppo pepper.

Heat the barbecue.

Meanwhile, with wet hands, form balls and thread them onto flat metal skewers. Then shape the balls into long sausages.

Brush the barbecue grill with vegetable oil.

Cook the skewers for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the meat is cooked through.

Note: This kebab is delicious served with parsley salad (recipe p. 140) and grilled vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions and jalapeño peppers for those who like a spicy taste.

Excerpt from the book "Syrian Cuisine, a Cuisine of the Heart" p.138