This vibrant skewer platter includes juicy beef skewers with onions and peppers, flavorful poultry meatballs paired with mushrooms, mussels with green peppers and onions, and crispy samosas. Each skewer has its marinade to enhance the flavors, and fried chicken wings are served as a crispy side.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies by skewer (20 to 25 minutes for each skewer set)
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Beef with Onion and Green/Red Pepper Skewer
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 500g beef sirloin or rump, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 red or green pepper, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
Beef Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the marinade, cover, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated beef, onion chunks, and pepper chunks onto the soaked skewers, alternating between the ingredients.
- Grill or broil: Cook the skewers over medium-high heat on or under the broiler for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the beef is cooked to your preferred doneness.
Poultry Meatballs with Mushrooms and Onions Skewer
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 500g ground poultry (chicken or turkey)
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 8 medium mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
Poultry Meatball Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground poultry with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Assemble the skewers: Thread a meatball, onion chunk, and mushroom onto the skewer, alternating.
- Grill or broil: Cook the skewers on the grill or under the broiler for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the mushrooms are tender.
Mussels with Green Pepper and Onions Skewer
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 12 large mussels (cleaned and boiled)
- 1 large green pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
Mussel Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the mussels: Toss the boiled mussels with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the mussels, green pepper chunks, and onion chunks onto the skewers.
- Grill or broil: Cook the skewers over medium heat for 5-7 (max) minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly charred and the mussels are warmed.
Samosa with Onions Skewer
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 8 small samosas (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
Cooking Instructions
- Assemble the skewers: Thread a samosa and onion chunk onto the skewer, alternating.
- Grill or broil: Cook the skewers over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the samosas are crispy and golden and the onions are slightly charred.
Fried Chicken Wings (Side)
Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 12 chicken wings
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Chicken Wing Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the wings: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Fry the wings: Heat vegetable oil in a deep or large skillet. Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve alongside the skewers.
Tips and Tricks
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- To add more variety, you can substitute your favorite vegetables, like zucchini or cherry tomatoes, for the skewers.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of meat to ensure proper cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this variety of skewers with a selection of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a soy-based dipping sauce. A fresh green salad or grilled vegetables also complement this platter.
Wine Pairing
- Typical Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir would pair well with various flavors.
- Bulgarian Wine: A dry Bulgarian Rosé or Riesling would complement the seafood and poultry skewers.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer)
The nutritional values will vary depending on the skewer type:
- Beef Skewer: Approximately 320 calories
- Poultry Meatball Skewer: Approximately 250 calories
- Mussel Skewer: Approximately 180 calories
- Samosa Skewer: Approximately 200 calories
- Fried Chicken Wings: Approximately 400 calories (per serving of 3 wings)
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Ensure gluten-free soy sauce and samosas or choose gluten-free pastry alternatives.
- Dairy-Free: All skewers are naturally dairy-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef or poultry with tofu or veggie meatballs.
About the Skewers
This Variety of Skewer platter reflects an international influence, with skewers from various culinary traditions. The beef skewer originates in Middle Eastern kebabs, commonly served with onions and peppers. The poultry meatball skewer takes inspiration from Mediterranean kofta and other ground meat skewers. In contrast, the mussel skewer can be traced to coastal European and Asian seafood grilling traditions. Samosas on a skewer nods to South Asian street food culture, where fried snacks are often enjoyed with tangy dips. The fried chicken wings bring a widespread Western influence, perfect as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Cultural Context
Skewers, or grilled food on sticks, have a deep history across many global cuisines. In Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, skewers are a traditional way to prepare marinated meats and vegetables. Skewered mussels can be found in Mediterranean seaside markets, where fresh seafood is often grilled. Meatballs on skewers can be seen in Turkish and Greek cuisines, while samosas are a beloved street food snack from South Asia. Combining these flavors, this skewer platter combines diverse culinary traditions in a fun and shareable format.
