Pinchitos Morunos (Moorish Skewers) are extremely popular as a Tapa, partuclarly in Andalucia. They are of Moorish origin, and are usually made from Lamb or Pork, I have used Chicken as the meat in this recipe, but I have listed other options! They are marinated in a Moorish saffron & spice mix and usually grilled outside and over charcoal or wood; however, they also cook beautifully on a griddle or in a heavy griddle type pan inside, during the cooler months. These are my favourite meat skewers and make a regular appearance on the “Al Fresco Lunch Table” during the Summer months. Great finger food for friends – or you can increase the quantities and make a meal of them. Serve them with a simple Tomato & Parsley Salad with my Sherry Vinegar Dressing, Flatbreads & Pickles for a true taste of Spain!
DIRECTIONS:
- Cut the chicken breasts,lamb or pork into cubes about 1″ in size. Flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Place the meat in a large bowl and add the dried spices, garlic & salt, saffron infused water, oregano, bay leaf and vinegar – mix thouroughly.
- Then add the olive oil – mix again thoroughly, cover with cling film and leave in the fridge for between 2 & 12 hours, so the flavours mingle and marinade into the meat.
- Light the barbecue about half an hour before cooking and allow the charcoal or wood to flare and then glow.
- If cooking inside, turn the grill up to high, or use a smoking hot griddle or griddle pan.
- Thread the meat on to the skewers.
- Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the outside is charred and the inside is still juicy but cooked. (NOT pink for pork and chicken – but pink for lamb).
- Season well with salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped flat leaf parsley or fresh coriander (Cilantro), serve with a selection of salads, flat breads, pickles and Sherry vinegar dressing.