With a fire-grilled simplicity with local flavors, these Bulgarian Rustic Kebabs highlight the best farm-fresh vegetables and succulent meats, merging rustic cooking with gourmet artistry.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients (Serves Four People)
For the Kebabs
- 800 grams beef or pork, cut into cubes
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 4 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 2 red onions, cut into wedges
- 2 ears of corn, cut into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
For the Marinade
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon is approximately 15 ml, and a teaspoon is approximately 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Kebab Marinade
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Add the beef or pork cubes, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 220°C (428°F) to prepare for the kebabs.
Step 3: Assemble the Kebabs
Thread the marinated meat, zucchini slices, tomato quarters, onion wedges, corn rounds, and red bell pepper chunks onto skewers. Alternate the vegetables and meat to create a visually appealing and balanced skewer. Avoid overcrowding the skewers to allow even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Kebabs
Place the kebabs on the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, occasionally turning until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are tender with grill marks.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat. Serve the kebabs on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinade Magic: For a deeper flavor, marinate the meat overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grill Skill: Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this will ensure even cooking.
- Vegetable Verve: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to achieve consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional Bread: Serve alongside Bulgarian cornmeal bread (Proja) to soak up the juices.
- Fresh Salad: A Shopska salad (with tomatoes, cucumbers, and sirene cheese) accompanies these kebabs.
Wine Pairing
Pair these flavorful kebabs with a light, fruity Bulgarian rosé or a medium-bodied red like Mavrud. The wine will complement the charred vegetables and savory meat.
Nutritional Information (Per serving)
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 850 mg
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the kebabs on a pan over medium heat to revive their fire-grilled flavor.
About Bulgarian Rustic Kebabs
Bulgarian kebabs (кебапи) are deeply rooted in Bulgarian culinary traditions, borrowing influences from neighboring Turkish cuisine. This rustic version highlights seasonal vegetables like zucchini and corn, celebrating Bulgaria’s rich agricultural bounty. The smoky flavors from the grill add depth to the simple yet flavorful dish.
Cultural Context
Fire-grilling meat and vegetables has been a longstanding tradition in Bulgaria, especially in rural areas. Using local, seasonal ingredients such as zucchini, tomatoes, and corn reflects the importance of farm-to-table practices in Bulgarian cuisine. Historically, kebabs were often prepared for gatherings and feasts, symbolizing communal sharing and hospitality. Today, the Bulgarian Rustic Kebabs offer a modern twist while keeping true to these roots.
