Chicken skewers with eggplant packages

Chicken skewers with eggplant parcels and tomato sauce - A delicious and healthy recipe

Welcome to the world of cooking! Today I present to you a delightful recipe, perfect for a dinner with friends or a family meal. We are talking about juicy chicken skewers, accompanied by aromatic eggplant parcels and a fresh tomato sauce. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Recipe History

Skewers, a cooking method that dates back to ancient times, are popular in many cultures due to their versatility and ease of preparation. A combination of meat, vegetables, and spices, skewers are ideal for grilling, bringing flavors together in a savory way. The eggplant parcels add an element of originality, while the tomato sauce perfectly complements this dish.

Ingredients

For the chicken skewers:
- 1 chicken breast (about 400 g)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
- Freshly ground pepper

For the eggplant parcels:
- 1 eggplant (about 300 g)
- 2 medium tomatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice (to prevent oxidation)

For the tomato sauce:
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh (or dried) basil
- Salt
- Pepper

Step by Step

1. Preparing the marinade for the chicken:
Start by washing the chicken breast. Remove the skin and bones, then cut it into thin strips. In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 2 hours. Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

2. Preparing the eggplant parcels:
Wash the eggplant well and cut it into thin slices lengthwise. To prevent oxidation, sprinkle the slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for a few minutes to remove excess water. Meanwhile, slice the tomatoes into rounds and season them with salt and pepper.

3. Forming the parcels:
Take a slice of eggplant, place a few tomato rounds on it, and roll it up to form a parcel. Secure the parcel with a toothpick to keep it compact. Repeat the process until you have used all the eggplant slices. Drizzle the parcels with olive oil.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
Peel the ripe tomatoes, chop them into small cubes, and place them in a bowl. Add the crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. Mix well and let the sauce sit to meld the flavors.

5. Cooking the skewers and parcels:
Preheat the grill or barbecue. Thread the chicken strips onto the skewers. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them to brown evenly. At the same time, place the eggplant parcels on the grill and cook until nicely browned on all sides.

6. Serving:
Serve the hot chicken skewers alongside the eggplant parcels. Drizzle everything with the fresh tomato sauce and garnish with basil leaves. This combination of flavors and textures will surely impress anyone!

Practical Tips

- Selecting ingredients: Choose a fresh chicken breast, without visible fat, to achieve juicy skewers. Ripe tomatoes will provide a more flavorful sauce, so don’t hesitate to pick the best ones.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The marinade will add extra flavor to these alternatives.
- Cooking on the stove: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the skewers in a pan using a grill pan. The eggplant parcels can be baked in the oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is a healthy choice, low in calories and rich in proteins and vitamins. A serving of chicken skewers with eggplant parcels and tomato sauce contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the oil used. Chicken provides essential proteins, while eggplants and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe works well with pork or beef, but make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat.

2. How can I store the skewers and parcels?
If you have leftovers, you can store the skewers and parcels in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or on the grill.

3. What can I pair this dish with?
These delicious skewers pair perfectly with a fresh salad or a side of rice or quinoa. Additionally, a dry white wine will complement the flavors of this dish beautifully.

Personal Note

The last time I made this recipe, I added some chopped black olives to the tomato sauce, and the combination was fantastic! I encourage you to experiment and add your favorite ingredients. Cooking is an art, and every recipe can be adapted to personal taste.

So, I invite you to start cooking, enjoy each step, and savor the final result. Happy cooking!