Shisheta po Balkanski (Шишета по Балкански) combines tender cuts of pork, beef, and chicken with fresh vegetables marinated and grilled over open flames. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in Bulgarian barbecue tradition.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients (Serves four people)
For the Meat and Vegetables:
- 300 grams of pork, cubed
- 300 grams of beef, cubed
- 300 grams of chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1-2 large onion, cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), cut into chunks
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 200 grams of mushrooms, whole or halved
- 1 large tomato, cut into chunks (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Marinade:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried savory (чубрица)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, savory, black pepper, salt, fresh parsley, and thyme (if using). This marinade will give the meat and vegetables a rich, traditional Bulgarian flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat and Vegetables
Add the cubed pork, beef, and chicken to the marinade, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse. You can toss the vegetables in the marinade for 30 minutes before grilling.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers (Shisheta)
Thread the marinated meat and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between pieces of pork, beef, chicken, onions, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Make sure to leave a bit of space between the ingredients for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill the Shisheta
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to ensure the meat and vegetables are evenly charred and cooked through. Brush the skewers with any leftover marinade while grilling for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill once the meat has a nice char. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, let the meat marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Chef’s Recommendation: Brush the skewers with a bit of melted butter or extra olive oil during the final minutes of grilling for added juiciness and flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: For a richer taste, add other vegetables such as eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or even slices of smoked sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shisheta po Balkanski with fresh Shopska salad or Lyutenitsa (a traditional Bulgarian pepper and tomato spread). Grilled potatoes or rice also pair well with these hearty kebabs.
Wine Matching
Pair these flavorful kebabs with Bulgarian Mavrud, Melnik wines, or Merlot. The bold red wine complements the smoky, charred flavors of the grilled meats and vegetables.
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigeration: Any leftover kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can then be reheated gently on the grill or stovetop.
- Freezing: You can freeze the raw, marinated meat for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and skewer the meat before grilling.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free and packed with protein and vegetables.
About Shisheta po Balkanski (Шишета по Балкански)
Shisheta po Balkanski, or “Balkan-style skewers”, is a traditional Bulgarian dish inspired by the grilling culture of the Balkan region. The dish features a combination of pork, beef, and chicken, often marinated with aromatic herbs and spices and grilled alongside fresh vegetables. Grilling is a favorite cooking method in Bulgaria, especially during the summer when families and friends gather outdoors to enjoy barbecued meat and vegetables.
Cultural Context
In Bulgaria, grilling skewers (шишчета) is a common tradition during picnics, gatherings, and celebrations. Various meats and vegetables make the dish versatile and rich in flavor, appealing to all tastes. The marinade, which typically includes paprika, savory (чубрица), and garlic, adds a distinctly Bulgarian touch to the dish, making it a true Balkan favorite.
