Shish kebab, a dish that has been a staple of Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine for centuries, is a flavorful and aromatic delight that can be enjoyed in various settings, from casual gatherings to formal events. The dish typically consists of marinated meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. However, the question remains: what do you serve with shish kebab to elevate its flavors and create a well-rounded meal?
Traditional Sides: A Taste of Cultural Heritage
In traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine, shish kebab is often served with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Some of the most common traditional sides include:
Rice Pilaf: A Classic Combination
Rice pilaf is a staple side dish in many Middle Eastern and South Asian countries, and it pairs perfectly with shish kebab. The fluffy, flavorful rice helps to soak up the juices of the kebab, while its mild flavor won’t overpower the dish. To make a traditional rice pilaf, sauté onions, garlic, and spices in oil, then add rice and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
Naan Bread: A Tasty Alternative
Naan bread is a type of leavened flatbread that is popular in South Asian cuisine. It is soft, lightly leavened, and slightly tangy, making it an excellent accompaniment to shish kebab. Simply grill or bake the naan bread until it’s lightly browned and puffed up, then serve it alongside the kebab.
Salads: A Refreshing Contrast
A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the shish kebab. Try combining mixed greens with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, and a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil. Alternatively, cook bulgur or quinoa and mix it with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
Modern Twists: Experimenting with New Flavors
While traditional sides are delicious, it’s also exciting to experiment with new flavors and ingredients to create a unique dining experience. Here are some modern twists to consider:
Roasted Vegetables: A Colorful Addition
Roasted vegetables can add a pop of color and flavor to the dish. Try roasting bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re tender and lightly caramelized.
Grilled Pineapple: A Sweet and Savory Combination
Grilled pineapple can provide a sweet and savory contrast to the smoky flavors of the shish kebab. Simply brush slices of pineapple with oil and grill them until they’re lightly browned and caramelized.
Quinoa Bowl: A Nutritious and Filling Option
Quinoa is a nutritious and filling grain that pairs well with the flavors of shish kebab. Cook quinoa and mix it with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. Top with grilled kebab and a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce.
Dips and Sauces: Adding an Extra Layer of Flavor
Dips and sauces can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish, and provide a creamy or tangy contrast to the smoky flavors of the shish kebab. Here are some popular options:
Tzatziki Sauce: A Classic Greek Condiment
Tzatziki sauce is a classic Greek condiment made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It’s refreshing, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the flavors of shish kebab.
Hummus: A Creamy and Nutritious Option
Hummus is a creamy and nutritious dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a great option for vegetarians and vegans, and pairs well with the flavors of shish kebab.
Chimichurri: A Tangy and Herby Sauce
Chimichurri is a tangy and herby sauce made from parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. It’s a great option for those who prefer a lighter and fresher flavor.
Beverages: What to Drink with Shish Kebab
When it comes to beverages, there are several options that pair well with shish kebab. Here are a few suggestions:
Mint Tea: A Refreshing and Traditional Choice
Mint tea is a refreshing and traditional choice that pairs well with the flavors of shish kebab. It’s calming, soothing, and helps to aid digestion.
Lemonade: A Sweet and Tangy Option
Lemonade is a sweet and tangy option that pairs well with the smoky flavors of shish kebab. Try adding a twist of mint or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Beer: A Crisp and Refreshing Choice
Beer is a crisp and refreshing choice that pairs well with the flavors of shish kebab. Try a light and crisp lager or a hoppy IPA to complement the dish.
In conclusion, shish kebab is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, dips, and sauces to create a well-rounded meal. Whether you prefer traditional options like rice pilaf and naan bread, or modern twists like roasted vegetables and quinoa bowls, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead, get creative, and serve up the flavors of shish kebab with your favorite sides and beverages!
What is the traditional side dish served with Shish Kebab?
Shish Kebab is often served with a variety of side dishes, but the traditional option is usually a simple salad or a plate of rice pilaf. The salad typically consists of mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers, dressed with a light vinaigrette. This refreshing side dish helps to balance the richness of the grilled meat.
In some Middle Eastern countries, a plate of rice pilaf is also a common accompaniment to Shish Kebab. The pilaf is usually flavored with saffron, cumin, and coriander, which complement the spices used in the kebab. The combination of the flavorful rice and the grilled meat makes for a satisfying and filling meal.
Can I serve Shish Kebab with other types of salads?
While a simple green salad is a classic choice, you can also serve Shish Kebab with other types of salads. A popular option is a Greek salad, which typically includes feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The tangy feta and the brininess of the olives complement the smoky flavor of the grilled meat.
Another option is a quinoa salad, which can be flavored with herbs and spices such as parsley, dill, and sumac. The nutty flavor of the quinoa pairs well with the charred flavor of the kebab, and the herbs add a fresh and bright note to the dish. You can also experiment with other types of salads, such as a roasted vegetable salad or a grain salad.
What are some popular dips to serve with Shish Kebab?
One of the most popular dips to serve with Shish Kebab is tzatziki, a Greek yogurt-based sauce flavored with cucumber, garlic, and dill. The cool and creamy tzatziki helps to balance the spiciness of the kebab, and the cucumber adds a refreshing note.
Another popular option is hummus, a chickpea-based dip flavored with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The rich and creamy hummus pairs well with the smoky flavor of the grilled meat, and the lemon juice adds a bright and tangy note. You can also serve Shish Kebab with other dips such as baba ganoush or muhammara.
Can I serve Shish Kebab with other types of bread?
While pita bread is a classic choice, you can also serve Shish Kebab with other types of bread. A popular option is naan bread, which is a type of Indian flatbread that is lightly leavened and flavored with spices. The soft and slightly puffed texture of the naan bread pairs well with the grilled meat.
Another option is lavash bread, which is a type of Middle Eastern flatbread that is crispy and crunchy. The crunchy texture of the lavash bread provides a nice contrast to the soft and juicy meat, and the flavor of the bread complements the spices used in the kebab. You can also experiment with other types of bread, such as baguette or ciabatta.
What are some popular beverages to serve with Shish Kebab?
One of the most popular beverages to serve with Shish Kebab is ayran, a Turkish yogurt-based drink that is flavored with salt and mint. The cool and refreshing ayran helps to balance the spiciness of the kebab, and the mint adds a bright and refreshing note.
Another popular option is lemonade, which can be flavored with mint or other herbs such as basil or rosemary. The sweet and tangy lemonade pairs well with the smoky flavor of the grilled meat, and the herbs add a fresh and bright note to the drink. You can also serve Shish Kebab with other beverages such as iced tea or sparkling water.
Can I serve Shish Kebab as an appetizer or snack?
While Shish Kebab is often served as a main course, you can also serve it as an appetizer or snack. A popular option is to serve the kebab on skewers, which can be easily picked up and eaten. The bite-sized pieces of meat are perfect for snacking, and the flavors of the kebab are intense and satisfying.
Another option is to serve the kebab with a variety of dips and sauces, such as tzatziki or hummus. The combination of the grilled meat and the creamy dips makes for a satisfying and filling snack. You can also experiment with other options, such as serving the kebab on a platter with a variety of vegetables and breads.
What are some popular desserts to serve with Shish Kebab?
One of the most popular desserts to serve with Shish Kebab is baklava, a Middle Eastern pastry that is made with layers of phyllo dough and filled with nuts and honey. The sweet and nutty baklava provides a nice contrast to the savory flavor of the kebab, and the honey adds a rich and indulgent note.
Another popular option is Turkish delight, a sweet and gelatinous candy that is flavored with rosewater or lemon. The sweet and tangy Turkish delight pairs well with the smoky flavor of the grilled meat, and the rosewater adds a floral and exotic note. You can also experiment with other desserts, such as fruit salad or ice cream.