A few weeks ago the Sunday Salad Samplers were making a delicious couscous salad. I decided to continue the Moroccan with some chicken skewers grilled on the BBQ. I searched the internet and came upon these skewers that are both marinated and served with a a Chermoula sauce. The skewers were great served with the salad.
Chermoula is generally used with fish. It is a classic mix of fresh cilantro (mmm), garlic, and spices, bound together with lemon juice and olive oil. The combination of spices varies depending on the cook's preferences, and fresh parsley, fresh mint, or chopped onions may be added, but the basic idea remains the same: to form a thick paste that will be used as a marinade before grilling or baking the fish, or as a condiment at the table.
I discovered that with this recipe, adapted by the eclectic cook, the sauce also goes brilliantly with chicken!
Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Chermoula Sauce
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chermoula sauce for marinade and serving (recipe follows)Cut the chicken into 1 ½ inch cubes. Pour about half of the chermoula over the chicken and marinade in a covered glass bowl or freezer bag in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Thread the chicken onto skewers, about 5 pieces per skewer. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about an hour before using. Preheat the grill to medium. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through (165°F). Serve with some couscous and the reserved chermoula sauce for dipping.
Chermoula Sauce
Adapted from Gourmet, April 2001 via Epicurious½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 cloves garlic
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup olive oilPlace all of the ingredients except the olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with blender running. Chermoula can be stored in refrigerator for at least a few days.
Love the sounds of this sauce - yum.
Posted by: Annie | August 27, 2009 at 03:22 PM
It was delicious Annie!
Posted by: JDeQ | August 28, 2009 at 09:26 PM