On a warm summer evening, I found myself in my backyard, the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden hue on everything it touched. I had just returned from the local farmer’s market, where the vibrant colors of fresh produce sparked a culinary adventure in my mind. Among my treasures were a bag of juicy pomegranates and a bundle of fragrant mint, both whispering promises of flavor. Inspired, I decided to create something spectacular: Spiced Pomegranate & Mint Kebabs. This dish brings together the succulent taste of marinated meat, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the sweet-tart burst of pomegranate, all grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into chunks
1 cup cherry tomatoes
Pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the pomegranate juice, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Once the chicken is ready, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with red onion wedges, bell pepper chunks, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation.
Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The vegetables should be tender and slightly charred. Remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped mint over the kebabs and garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint sprigs for an extra pop of color and flavor. These Spiced Pomegranate & Mint Kebabs are perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, serving them with a side of fluffy couscous or a fresh green salad.
As I took my first bite, the vibrant flavors danced on my palate, and I was transported back to that sun-soaked evening, the laughter of friends and family echoing around me. These kebabs not only nourished my body but also filled my heart with joy and memories.