Tony Zentgraf
Skewered Street Food Around the World
Spanish Lamb Skewers
Pinchos Morunos, meaning Moorish skewers, is skewered and grilled meat that is seasoned with spices from Spanish. This comes from the time when the Moors occupied the Iberian peninsula. Portugal and Spain make up the Iberian peninsula today. Between 8th and the 15th century the Moors had a major influence on food in the region.
The Moorish Empire spread across North Africa and across the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain and Portugal. Moorish were artists at trading, the city of Marrakesh built its wealth on trading.
Culinary Influences
The Moors introduced foods that were not native to the Iberian peninsula. These included most spices, saffron, apricots, artichokes, carob, sugar, aubergines, grapefruits, carrots, coriander and rice. Recipes across the region will fine these ingredients.
Many cooking techniques of Spain and Portugal come from the Moorish influence. One dish that can be traced back to Moorish influence is Paella. During the 800 year rule, rice and spices, specifically saffron were brought to Spain. During their time in the Iberian peninsula, the Moors were able to increase the production of olives through improved farming techniques.
Olive oil was a byproduct of the increased olive production as a result the Moors introduced oil frying to Spain as well. The Moors had influence extended to new ways of preserving foods and fermentation including alcohol. Where the Moors didn’t drink because of religious beliefs the Spanish embraced it.
Tapas a Spanish Tradition
Spanish cuisine would be vastly different if it weren’t for the Moorish Empire. Without the introduction of rice, spices and many other foods, Tapas may not have become what it is today.
Tapas origins stretch back to sometime around the 15th century. Tapas can be an appetizer or snack. Mix and match Tapas to make a meal. Many times they are a mixture of cold or hot dishes. These Pinchos Morunos could be one that you may find in a bar in Spain.
Bars would served Tapas in conjunction with an alcoholic beverage. Bread or salty meat “snacks” were provided with the beverage. As a result, drink sales increased because of the salt in the snacks made customers thirsty. Over time, with the help of external culinary influences these provided snacks evolved into Tapas.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Pinchos Morunos (Moorish Skewers). Try this recipe with other meats, pork or chicken are delicious alternatives to lamb. Serve with some lemon wedges and some crusty bread!
Enjoy!
Pinchos Morunos (Moorish Skewers)
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- 1 ½ lbs Diced Lamb
- 4 ea Garlic Clove - minced
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1 tbsp Spanish Paprika
- 1 ½ tsp Turmeric
- 1 ½ tsp Oregano - dried
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ⅔ cup Olive Oil
- 1 ea Lemon Zest & Juice
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Making the Marinade
- Mince the Garlic
- Zest and juice the lemon
- In a bowl combine garlic, all spices, lemon zest and juice.
- Whisk in the olive oil to combine all ingredients.
Marinating the Lamb
- If needed, dice the lamb into 1" to 1 ½" pieces.
- Add the diced lamb into the bowl.
- Mix to combine the marinade until the lamb is completely coated.
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. Minimum 2 hours.
Skewer and Grill the Skewers
- Preheat the grill.
- Remove the marinated lamb from the refrigerator.
- Skewer the meat on the top 6" of the skewers.
- Grill the skewered lamb on all sides. Turning the skewers to develop an even char.
- Remove the lamb when the internal temperature reaches 130° for medium.
- Serve the Pinchos Morunos with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
