Shashlik

Shashlik or Shashlyk (Russian: шашлык) is a popular dish of skewered and grilled cubes of meat, similar to or synonymous with Shish kebab. It is known across the Caucasus, Russia, and many other parts of Europe and Asia. The dish is traditionally made with lamb, but can also be made with beef, pork, or chicken.

Etymology

The word "shashlik" is derived from the Turkic word "şış" (meaning skewer) and "-lik" (a suffix indicating possession). It was likely introduced to Russia and other parts of Europe through the nomadic Turkic tribes of Central Asia.

Preparation

Shashlik is prepared by marinating cubes of meat in a mixture of vinegar, onion, water, and spices for several hours or overnight. The meat is then threaded onto skewers, often with pieces of vegetables such as bell pepper, onion, or tomato. The skewers are then grilled over charcoal or wood until the meat is cooked to the desired level.

Variations

There are many regional variations of shashlik. In Georgia, for example, the dish is often made with pork and served with a plum sauce. In Armenia, it is commonly made with lamb and served with a yogurt sauce. In Iran, a similar dish called koobideh is made with ground meat instead of cubes.

See also

• Kebab
• Barbecue
• Cuisine of Russia
• Cuisine of the Caucasus