Souvla facts for kids
Souvla
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| Place of origin | Greece & Cyprus |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Meat |
| Similar dishes | Souvlaki |
Souvla (Greek: σούβλα) is a very popular dish from Cyprus. It is made by cooking large pieces of meat on a long skewer over a charcoal barbecue. It's a bit like a giant kebab!
Contents
What is Souvla?
Souvla is a special way of cooking meat. It uses big chunks of meat, unlike the smaller pieces used in souvlaki. The meat cooks slowly for a long time. It is also placed further away from the hot charcoal. This helps it cook evenly and become very tender.
What Meat is Used?
Traditionally, souvla is made with lamb, pork, or chicken. The meat is often cut with the bone still in. These pieces are usually about the size of a medium onion.
How is Souvla Cooked?
Cooking souvla is a careful process. It needs a special charcoal grill called a "foukou" (Greek: φουκού) in Cypriot Greek.
Setting Up the Grill
First, the meat is placed on a rotating skewer. This skewer spins slowly, making sure all sides of the meat cook evenly. The skewer is set far from the hot charcoal at the start.
The Cooking Process
As the meat cooks, it starts to sizzle. After a while, the skewer is moved closer to the charcoal. This helps the outside of the meat turn a nice golden brown. The whole cooking process can take from 90 minutes to 3 hours. The time depends on the type of meat and how hot the fire is.
Adding Flavor
While the meat cooks, people often add flavor. They sprinkle or brush salt, herbs like oregano, oil, and even wine onto the meat. This helps the meat stay juicy. It also stops the outside from browning too quickly.
Types of Souvla
Over time, different places have created their own souvla recipes. These recipes often change the spices used in the meat marinade. One well-known type is Lysiotiki souvla. This version comes from the village of Lysi.
Souvla in Greek Culture
In Greece, the word "souvla" often means a whole roasted lamb. This is a common dish for Easter and other big holidays. It can also be found in special restaurants. Other Greek dishes that are similar to souvla include kontosouvli. This dish uses large pieces of pork cut from the bone.
When Do People Eat Souvla?
Cypriots love to eat souvla for celebrations. It is a popular dish for holidays like Christmas and Easter. It brings families and friends together for a delicious meal.
