Kokoretsi Recipe
Ingredients:
- Lamb intestines
- Lamb liver
- Lamb heart
- Lamb sweetbreads
- Lamb kidneys
- Lamb spleen
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the lamb intestines by cleaning them thoroughly and removing any excess fat.
2. Rinse the lamb liver, heart, sweetbreads, kidneys, and spleen under cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped onions, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the lamb offal to the bowl and mix well, making sure that all the pieces are coated with the marinade.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
7. Remove the marinated offal from the refrigerator and thread the pieces onto metal skewers, alternating with pieces of lamb fat.
8. Place the kokoretsi skewers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the offal is cooked through and the outer layer is crispy.
9. Remove the kokoretsi from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How to prepare:
Kokoretsi is a traditional Greek delicacy made from lamb offal. It is usually prepared during festive occasions, such as Easter, and is often enjoyed as part of a larger meal. The offal used in kokoretsi includes lamb intestines, liver, heart, sweetbreads, kidneys, and spleen. These ingredients are marinated in a mixture of onions, garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, which adds flavor and helps tenderize the offal. After marinating overnight, the offal is threaded onto metal skewers, alternating with pieces of lamb fat, and grilled until cooked through and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, the kokoretsi is allowed to rest before being sliced into bite-sized pieces and served.
Preparation Time:
Preparation time: 24 hours (including marinating time)
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: approximately 24 hours and 20 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
Nutrition Facts:
Due to the nature of this dish, it is difficult to provide accurate nutrition information. However, kokoretsi is rich in protein and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals found in lamb offal.
Tips:
- Make sure to thoroughly clean the lamb intestines before marinating and cooking to remove any excess fat or impurities.
- Use metal skewers to thread the offal for grilling, as wooden skewers may burn.
- Serve kokoretsi with traditional Greek sides, such as tzatziki, Greek salad, and fresh bread.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use different types of offal in kokoretsi?
A: Yes, you can customize the recipe and use different types of lamb offal according to your preference.
Q: Can kokoretsi be cooked in the oven instead of on a grill?
A: While traditionally kokoretsi is grilled, it can also be cooked in the oven at a high temperature.
Q: Can kokoretsi be frozen?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked kokoretsi for future enjoyment. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing.
Enjoy this traditional Greek delicacy and savor the unique flavors of kokoretsi!
