Shashlik facts for kids
A classical Russian Shashlik made of pork meat and marinated in tomato juice, onion, vinegar and red wine.
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| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Central Asia |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Meat, marinade, onions |
Shashlik is a tasty dish made from pieces of meat cooked on a skewer over a grill. It's very similar to what many people call shish kebab. This popular meal is enjoyed in many parts of the world, especially in the Caucasus region, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. It became very well-known in the Russian Empire starting in the 1800s. Today, it's a favorite food in Russia and other countries that were once part of the Soviet Union.
Where Did Shashlik Get Its Name?
The word shashlik comes from the Russian word shashlyk. This word has Turkic roots. In Turkic languages, shish means "skewer." So, shishlik literally means "something that can be put on a skewer."
The word was first used by the Zaporozhian Cossacks. They called it "şış" which meant "spit" or "skewer." It came into the Russian language in the 1700s. From Russia, the word spread to English and other European languages. Before shashlik became popular, Russians called meat cooked on a skewer verchenoye.
Shashlik didn't arrive in Moscow until the late 1800s. But once it did, it quickly became a hit! By the early 1900s, it was a common dish in restaurants in Saint Petersburg. By the 1920s, you could find shashlik being sold as street food all over Russian cities.
How to Make Delicious Shashlik
Shashlik was traditionally made with lamb meat. But these days, people also make it with pork, beef, or even venison. The type of meat used often depends on what people like in that area or their religious customs.
The meat pieces are put onto skewers. Sometimes, people add other things between the meat, like pieces of fat or vegetables. Common vegetables include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
To make shashlik extra tasty, the meat is usually marinated overnight. A marinade is a special liquid that helps flavor and tenderize the meat. Shashlik marinades often have something acidic, like vinegar, dry wine, or sour fruit or vegetable juice. Onions, herbs, and spices are also added to give it a great flavor.
You can find shashlik on the menu in many restaurants today. But it's also very popular as a fast food sold by street vendors. These vendors cook the skewers on a special grill called a mangal. They use wood, charcoal, or coal to cook the meat perfectly. Shashlik is also a favorite dish to cook outdoors at social gatherings, much like barbecue in other countries.
See also
In Spanish: Shashlik para niños
