The difference between souvlaki and kebab is a subject of debate amongst people. Some suggest that souvlaki and kebab are different things whereas others argue that it is just the same thing. This article aims at analysing if these 2 dishes are in fact 1 thing or if they are totally different. In order to get a better insight on this topic, simply follow the article below. It will give a detailed explanation while trying to address this controversial topic.
Contents
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is very popular Greek fast food. Originally souvlakia was made using pork only. However, it can now be found in different varieties like lamb or chicken. This is mainly due to the fact that Greece receives a lot of tourists so some of them have pork allergies that is why they started selling other varieties. The meat is placed on skewers and then grilled and that is one of the things that makes souvlakia famous. Souvlaki is often served with pita bread and vegetables and it is commonly sold on the roadside. Traditionally souvlaki is eaten while hot and you can either eat it with the pita bread or individually. However, the most common way of eating it is with the pita bread. Souvlaki is very common in Greece and Turkey although it is eaten in many parts of the world.
Kebab
Kebab is a very popular dish that originated in the Middle East. Originally kebab was made using lamb meat which was sliced and placed on a skewer. The meat was then roasted or grilled over flame. However, in today’s society you can find kebabs made using different types of meats like chicken, beef or even goat meat. Kebab is often served as a snack or appetiser in many restaurants. Kebab is very popular in America and UK although it is consumed in many parts of the world.
Differences between souvlaki and kebab
Origins
Kebabs originated in in the Middle East whereas souvlaki originated in Greece.
Cooking methods
Souvlaki is traditionally cooked using pork whereas kebabs were traditionally cooked using lamb. However, in Greece you can find souvlaki made from beef or chicken, this is because some people do not eat pork so they want to meet everyone’s preferences.
Furthermore, souvlakia is cooked horizontally on a spike that is turned whereas kebab is cooked vertically on a spike that is turned.
Serving suggestion
Souvlaki is usually served with pita bread whereas kebabs are served in a plate and should be eaten with roti or on their own.
Similarities between souvlakia and kebab
Cooking methods
Souvlakia and kebab are both cooked on a skewer. That is why most people confuse the two. Furthermore in today’s society kebab and souvlaki can be made using the same type of meats.
Furthermore, the ingredients that are used when cooking souvlaki and kebabs are almost similar that is why people often confuse the two.
Easy recipe for souvlaki
NB: originally souvlaki is made using pork so this recipe is for pork souvlaki
For this recipe you will need pork, olive oil, oregano, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper and lemon.
Step 1
The first thing to do is to marinate the pork. You can use the pork steak, tenderloin or fillet as these meets are really juicy and you can marinate them. To marinate the meat start by combining the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Mix them together and then pour the mixture on top of the pork. Allow the pork to be marinated for at least 30 minutes but you can also marinate the meat for 24 hours if you really want the flavours to come through.
Step 2
Take wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for about 30 minutes. Place the marinated pork onto the skewers.
Step 3
When you have finished placing the pork on the skewers place them on a grill or griddle and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. When the pork is fully cooked remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Serve the souvlaki with anything you like.
Easy recipe for making kebabs
NB: originally kebabs are made using lamb meat, thus this recipe also uses lamb meat to make the kebabs and this recipe makes 8 kebabs.
For this recipe you will need 2 garlic cloves, salt, pepper, oregano, olive oil, 4 lamb steaks, 2 red peppers, bay leaves and 2 lemons.
Step 1
Start by combining the garlic, oregano, salt and olive oil in a small bowl. Mix these ingredients until they form a loose paste.
Step 2
Cut the lamb steak into 3cm chunks. Place them inside a bowl then season with salt and pepper. Add the marinade that you would have made using the garlic, oregano, olive oil and salt.
Step 3
Take the red peppers and cut them into chunks and also cut the lemons into wedges. The next thing is to take skewers and start placing the meat, red peppers, bay leaves and lemon wedges on the skewers. Design then is such a way that you first place the meat on the skewer, then red pepper, then lemon wedge until you reach to the top of the skewer.
Step 4
Take the kebabs and place them on a grill or in an oven that has been preheated to 200 degrees. Cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes or until they are charred on the outside. When they are done simply take them off and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve them with any flat bread for example roti for the best taste.
Conclusion
Souvlaki and kebab are 2 different things. They are almost similar in the way that they are cooked if you really follow up on the two recipes provided. The recipes show that kebabs and souvlakia share some ingredients and that is why most people tend to confuse them. In Greece that is where you will commonly hear the name souvlaki while the name kebab is often used in America or the UK.