Spiedie Sensations: Unleashing the Deliciousness of Marinated Meat Kebabs

Spiedies, those succulent marinated meat kebabs, are a culinary treasure, particularly beloved in the Binghamton, New York area. But their irresistible flavor deserves a wider audience! This article delves into the art of making authentic spiedies at home, providing detailed instructions, tips, and variations to satisfy every palate. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of spiedies!

## What are Spiedies?

Spiedies are essentially marinated meat cubes (typically lamb, pork, chicken, venison, or beef) grilled on skewers and served in a soft Italian bread roll or on their own. The defining characteristic of a spiedie is the marinade. Unlike many marinades that rely on acidic bases or strong spices, the spiedie marinade is relatively mild, often featuring oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices. This allows the flavor of the meat to shine through while imparting a delightful tenderness and subtle herbaceousness.

## The Essential Spiedie Marinade

The spiedie marinade is the heart and soul of this dish. While variations exist, a classic spiedie marinade includes:

* **Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and richness. It helps to tenderize the meat and distribute the flavors evenly.
* **Vinegar/Lemon Juice:** Red wine vinegar or lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, further tenderizing the meat and providing a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the oil.
* **Italian Herbs:** Dried or fresh Italian herbs like oregano, basil, marjoram, and thyme are essential for the characteristic spiedie flavor. Feel free to experiment with your preferred blend.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Onion:** Finely chopped or grated onion contributes sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the meat and enhance the other flavors.

### Recipe for Classic Spiedie Marinade

This recipe makes enough marinade for approximately 2-3 pounds of meat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/2 cup red wine vinegar or lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (or 4 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup finely chopped or grated onion
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl or jar, combine all the ingredients.
2. Whisk or shake well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.

## Choosing the Right Meat

While lamb is considered the traditional choice for spiedies, you can use a variety of meats depending on your preference.

* **Lamb:** Leg of lamb is a good option, as it’s relatively lean and flavorful. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
* **Pork:** Pork shoulder (Boston butt) or tenderloin work well. Pork shoulder will be more flavorful but requires a longer marinating time.
* **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are a leaner option. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
* **Beef:** Sirloin or tenderloin are good choices for beef spiedies. Avoid tougher cuts, as they may not become as tender during marinating.
* **Venison:** If you have access to venison, it makes a delicious and unique spiedie.

## Preparing and Marinating the Meat

1. **Cut the Meat:** Cut your chosen meat into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking.
2. **Place in a Container:** Place the meat cubes in a resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container (glass or ceramic). Avoid using aluminum containers, as the acidity in the marinade can react with the metal.
3. **Pour in the Marinade:** Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring that all the pieces are coated.
4. **Marinate:** Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, and ideally 48-72 hours. The longer the meat marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Turn the bag or stir the meat occasionally to ensure even marinating.

## Grilling the Spiedies

1. **Soak Wooden Skewers (if using):** If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
2. **Thread the Meat:** Thread the marinated meat cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can hinder even cooking.
3. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. **Grill the Spiedies:** Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning frequently, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the safe minimum for your chosen meat (e.g., 165°F for chicken, 145°F for pork and lamb). Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the meat cubes and the heat of your grill.
5. **Rest (Optional):** Remove the spiedies from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

## Serving Spiedies

Traditionally, spiedies are served in a soft Italian bread roll, often plain or with a drizzle of the marinade. Here are some other serving suggestions:

* **In a Roll:** The classic way! Use a soft Italian roll and load it up with the grilled spiedies. Drizzle with extra marinade or a squeeze of lemon juice.
* **On a Plate:** Serve the spiedies on a plate with a side of grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or a salad.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve smaller spiedies as an appetizer or party snack.
* **With Toppings:** Get creative with toppings! Try adding sliced onions, peppers, tomatoes, or a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
* **Spiedie Salad:** Combine cooled spiedies with mixed greens, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing for a hearty and flavorful salad.

## Tips for Perfect Spiedies

* **Marinate for at least 24 hours:** Don’t skimp on the marinating time. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your spiedies. Use good quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and flavorful meat.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skewers:** Overcrowding the skewers will prevent the meat from cooking evenly.
* **Don’t overcook the meat:** Overcooked spiedies will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Let the meat rest:** Resting the meat for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful spiedies.
* **Experiment with flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and marinades to create your own unique spiedie flavor profile.

## Variations on the Classic Spiedie

While the classic spiedie marinade is delicious, there are endless possibilities for variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Spicy Spiedies:** Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Garlic Lover’s Spiedies:** Double the amount of garlic in the marinade for an extra garlicky flavor.
* **Lemon Herb Spiedies:** Use lemon zest and juice instead of vinegar, and add extra fresh herbs like parsley and dill.
* **Asian-Inspired Spiedies:** Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in the marinade for an Asian-inspired flavor.
* **Greek Spiedies:** Use lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and olive oil in the marinade, and serve with tzatziki sauce.
* **Honey Garlic Spiedies:** Add honey and garlic to the marinade for a sweet and savory taste.

## Spiedie Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a comprehensive recipe incorporating all the tips and tricks discussed above:

**Yields:** Approximately 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
**Cook time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 pounds lamb, pork, chicken, or beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/2 cup red wine vinegar or lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb blend (or 4 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup finely chopped or grated onion
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
* Italian bread rolls for serving

**Equipment:**

* Large bowl or jar
* Resealable plastic bag or non-reactive container
* Skewers (wooden or metal)
* Grill
* Meat thermometer

**Instructions**

**Get Started:**

1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a large bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Italian herbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk or shake well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

**Marinate the Meat:**

2. **Place Meat in Container:** Place the meat cubes in a resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container (glass or ceramic).
3. **Pour Marinade Over Meat:** Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring all pieces are coated.
4. **Seal and Refrigerate:** Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, ideally 48-72 hours. Turn the bag or stir the meat occasionally to ensure even marinating.

**Grill the Spiedies:**

5. **Soak Skewers (if using wooden):** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
6. **Thread Meat onto Skewers:** Thread the marinated meat cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
7. **Preheat Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
8. **Grill Skewers:** Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 8-12 minutes, turning frequently, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
* Chicken: 165°F (74°C)
* Pork: 145°F (63°C)
* Lamb: 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium
* Beef: 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium
9. **Rest (Optional):** Remove the spiedies from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

**Serve:**

10. **Assemble:** Serve the spiedies hot in soft Italian bread rolls. Drizzle with extra marinade or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Add toppings like sliced onions, peppers, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor.

## Health Considerations

Spiedies can be a relatively healthy meal, depending on the type of meat you choose and how you prepare them. Here are a few health considerations:

* **Meat Choice:** Opt for leaner cuts of meat like chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or lean leg of lamb. Trim off any excess fat before marinating.
* **Marinade:** The marinade is primarily oil-based, so be mindful of portion sizes. You can reduce the amount of oil in the marinade slightly without significantly affecting the flavor.
* **Serving Size:** Control your portion size to avoid overeating.
* **Add Vegetables:** Serve spiedies with plenty of vegetables to create a balanced and nutritious meal. Grilled vegetables, salads, or roasted vegetables are all great options.
* **Bread Choice:** Choose whole-wheat or multigrain rolls instead of white bread for added fiber.

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover spiedies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the grill. They can be added to other dishes like salads or pasta.

## The History of Spiedies

While the exact origins of spiedies are somewhat debated, it is generally accepted that they originated in the Italian-American community of Endicott, New York, in the early 20th century. The name “spiedie” is believed to derive from the Italian word “spiedo,” which means “skewer” or “spit.” Some claim that August “Augie” Iacovelli popularized the spiedie in 1930s by selling them at a roadside stand. Others credit Camillo Iacovelli for developing the recipe. Several local restaurants lay claim to being the oldest vendor of spiedies. Regardless of its precise beginnings, spiedies quickly became a local favorite and have since become a regional specialty.

## Conclusion

Spiedies are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for grilling season and beyond. With a simple marinade and a few basic techniques, you can easily recreate this regional specialty in your own backyard. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the savory goodness of homemade spiedies! Experiment with different variations and find your perfect spiedie recipe. Happy grilling!