One quick and easy way to cook on the grill is to make shish kebabs. Thread meat and/or vegetables onto metal or wooden skewers then grill over high heat for about 10 minutes. How easy is that?
Various cuts of beef, lamb, and pork are available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. (Chicken is only available whole; fish is available on Saturday only.) For kebabs you’ll want a cut that is about 1-inch thick so you can cut it into 1 inch cubes that will cook evenly on the grill. Talk to the farmer at the market about which cut they recommend for shish kebab. While you’re talking to them you can also learn about how their animals are raised.
Summer squash, including zucchini, eight ball, yellow crookneck and others are now available at local farmers’ markets and make a great choice for kebabs. You can also pick up onions and other vegetables that would take well to being threaded onto a skewer. Of course a green salad makes a perfect accompaniment to shish kebabs, so pick up fresh greens, too.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market also has wine and cheese, garlic spreads and crackers, and pre-made desserts for your long summer evening meal.
Beef or Lamb Shish Kebabs with Seasonal Vegetables
Ingredients
1 pound beef top sirloin or lamb*, cut into 1-1/4- inch cubes 2 medium onions*, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 small summer squash*, cut into 1-inch pieces (May include other seasonal vegetables including mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers)
Seasoned Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano* 2 cloves garlic*, minced ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Combine seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add beef and vegetables; toss to coat.
Thread beef and vegetables alternately onto eight 12-inch metal skewers (see note below), leaving a small space between pieces.
Place kabobs on a hot grill, about 4 inches from heat. Carefully turn kabobs every few minutes during cooking. Grill for about 10 minutes.
Makes 4 servings.
Note: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.
Nutrition per serving: 280 calories, 13 g fat, 4 g sat. fat, 65 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrates, 31 g protein, 25% DV Vitamin C.
Ingredients marked with an asterisk (*) are available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.
For information about food and nutrition contact Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension at 885-8995 or email dwhitten@cornell.edu.
