Khorovats

Prep time: 30 minutes (plus 4 hrs marinating)

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Country of Origin: Armenia

Description

Traditional Armenian skewers of marinated pork or lamb grilled over hot coals alongside charred whole vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Served family-style over lavash flatbread, which absorbs the meat juices, alongside grilled veggies and sliced raw onions.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs pork shoulder or lamb leg, cut into 2-inch cubes

• 2 large yellow onions, thin sliced

• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil

• 1 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tbsp dried savory (or thyme)

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate Meat: In a bowl, toss meat with sliced onions, pomegranate juice, oil, basil, savory, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.

2. Skewer: Thread meat chunks onto metal skewers (shashlik style), wiping off excess raw onion slices.

3. Prepare Grill: Heat grill or charcoal pit to high heat.

4. Grill Meat: Place skewers over high heat, turning frequently for 15–20 minutes until charred on the outside and cooked through.

5. Serve: Wrap cooked skewers in lavash to pull the meat off and rest for 5 minutes before eating.

Optional

• Grilled Veggies: Skewer whole eggplants, bell peppers, and Roma tomatoes to grill alongside the meat.

Cooking Tips

• Knead Meat: Massaging onions and spices into the raw meat helps break down tough fibers for tenderer skewers.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~410 kcal

• Total Fat: 26g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 110mg

• Sodium: 310mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 6g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 3g

• Protein: 37g