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TurkishAuthentic Cuisine

Tavuk Şiş

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Tavuk Şiş

Tavuk Şiş, a beloved staple of Turkish grill houses, finds its way into family kitchens with its straightforward yet rich preparation. Traditionally enjoyed during gatherings or festive occasions, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Turkey to the home cook's repertoire. The secret lies in the balance of seasoning and the generous use of fat, making it a dish that welcomes communal sharing around the table.

The flavor of Tavuk Şiş is a harmonious blend of tender chicken marinated in yogurt, tomato paste, and paprika, creating a succulent bite with a gentle smokiness. The olive oil adds a luscious touch, while the seasoning of fine sea salt and black pepper ties everything together. It's a dish best savored in good company, where each skewer is a delight to the senses.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thigh cubes
  • 2 tbspyogurt
  • 1 tbsptomato paste
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by patting the 800 g of chicken thigh cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures a good sear. Season the chicken generously with fine sea salt and black pepper, then sprinkle 1 tsp of paprika evenly over the pieces. Toss the chicken to coat all sides with the spices.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Allow them to brown on one side without moving them for about 3-4 minutes, until they develop a golden crust. Turn the pieces to brown the other sides, ensuring each piece is well-seared.
  3. Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp of yogurt and 1 tbsp of tomato paste to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly, allowing the yogurt and tomato paste to meld with the chicken juices, creating a flavorful sauce.
  4. Continue to cook the chicken in the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. If the sauce appears too thin, let it simmer gently to reduce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if necessary. The sauce should be rich and well-balanced, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley for added freshness. Serve the Tavuk Şiş immediately, ideally with warm flatbread or rice, and enjoy the dish as part of a shared meal.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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