Throw a Kebab Party

Go from garden to grill at your next summer bash with this delicious idea (some assembly required).

By: Mick Telkamp

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Photo By: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Host a Make-Your-Own-Kebab Party

Put your summer harvest on display by setting up a simple kebab station at your next party. Guests will love whipping up their own tasty flavor combinations and you'll love the ease of this set-up.

Soak Skewers

That grill gets hot! Soak bamboo skewers in water at least 30 minutes before getting started to keep them from burning over the coals.

Cut Vegetables

Raid the garden and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Cut denser vegetables into smaller pieces to ensure they will cook through. Good choices for kebab vegetables include zucchini, squash, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, onions, corn, eggplant and mushrooms.

Cutting Onions

Use small onions and quarter, leaving the end intact to hold the onion together while grilling.

Arrange Vegetables

Place cut veggies in separate bowls or on plates to make it easy to find your favorites when building custom kebabs.

Herbs

Mince herbs like rosemary, basil, thyme or cilantro to sprinkle over kebabs to add flavor and a touch of color.

Marinate Meats

Meat and seafood makes a great addition to any kebab. Add meat to marinades an hour before grilling to infuse rich flavor. Try garlic shrimp (1 pound shrimp, 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, juice 1 lime), BBQ Pork (1 lb pork, 1/2 cup BBQ sauce) or rosemary chicken (1 lb chicken, 3 tablespoons rosemary, 1/2 cup olive oil, juice 1 lemon).

Olive OIl

Have olive oil and a pastry brush on hand to coat kebabs before placing them on the grill.

Set the Table

Set the table with skewers, meats and vegetables, herbs, oil, select sauces or spices and plenty of plates and napkins. Let the fun begin!

Building Kebabs

Every kebab is a masterpiece. Take care when building kebabs to keep the pointed end away from yourself and others. Kids can fill a plate with their favorite ingredients to have an adult assist with assembly. Monitor children around the grill, and don't let them handle raw meats.

Coat with Oil

After assembly, brush the kebabs with a layer of olive oil.

Sprinkle with Herbs

Once oiled, sprinkle kebabs with your selection of herbs, salt, pepper or other spices.

Grilling Kebabs

Cook times will vary depending on the kebab. Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, turn once and allow the kebabs to cook for an additional 5-7. Remove from heat and allow to rest 2-3 minutes before eating, if you can bear the wait.

Throw a Kebab Party

Related To:

Host a Make-Your-Own-Kebab Party

Soak Skewers

Cut Vegetables

Cutting Onions

Arrange Vegetables

Herbs

Marinate Meats

Olive OIl

Set the Table

Building Kebabs

Coat with Oil

Sprinkle with Herbs

Grilling Kebabs

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