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Pineapple Marinated Skewers

17/11/2023

Pineapple marinated skewers are a great delight for the palate, especially if you’re looking for a mix of sweet and savory. Here’s an Italian version of the dish, with a Mediterranean touch.

Ingredients

  • 400 grams of chicken (breast or boneless thigh)
  • 1 fresh pineapple
  • 2 bell peppers (better if of different colors for a livelier presentation)
  • 1 red onion
  • A few fresh basil leaves (for the Italian touch)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped (optional)

For the marinade:

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (or a teaspoon of dried rosemary)
  • Chili powder or chopped chili pepper to taste (according to preference)

Preparation

  1. Start by cutting the chicken into uniformly sized cubes, so they cook evenly.
  2. Peel the pineapple and cut it into pieces similar to the chicken cubes.
  3. Wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds and white parts, and cut them into pieces as well.
  4. Slice the red onion into not too thin wedges.
  5. Prepare the marinade by mixing in a bowl the lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, rosemary, and, if you like a bit of spice, add the chili powder or chopped chili pepper.
  6. Place the chicken cubes in the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate them for a couple of hours.
  7. Thread onto wooden or metal skewers alternating pieces of marinated chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion. Remember to soak wooden skewers in water before using them to avoid burning during cooking.
  8. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and brush with a bit of olive oil.
  9. Cook the skewers, turning frequently until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the cubes).
  10. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper and a sprinkling of chopped fresh basil.
  11. Serve the skewers hot, drizzled with a little olive oil and a twist of balsamic vinegar for an Italian touch and flavor.

Curiosity

Marinating with pineapple is an excellent method to make chicken meat particularly tender and juicy, as it contains enzymes that help to break down proteins in the meat. Furthermore, pineapple adds a sweet tropical flavor that perfectly balances the umami taste of soy sauce and the freshness of lemon.