Dukkha rubbed chicken satay with zucchini ribbons.

Dukkha is an amazing blend of spices and nuts that is very useful to have on hand.  Moist  chicken with crispy bits and tender zucchini, try this chicken marinated in tahini and rubbed with dukkha seasoning.  I guarantee it won’t be the only time you try it!

Dukkah chicken 4

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp liquid honey

1 tbsp tahini

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in 1 inch pieces

1 small zucchini, cut into long thin ribbons (use a vegetable peeler)

1 small onion, cut into 1 inch pieces

1/2 cup Dukkah

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, tahini, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Blend well, and add the chicken pieces.

Dukkah chicken 1

(This can be done ahead of time, and marinated for up to 24 hours)

When ready to assemble, remove chicken from marinade, (discard excess) and dredge in Dukkah.

Create an assembly line of zucchini ribbons, onion and chicken …..

Dukkah chicken 2

Alternately thread chicken, zucchini and onion onto skewers.  This can be done ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

dukkah chicken 3

 

Place skewers on greased grill over medium heat, close lid and grill – turning until browned.

Transfer to a serving platter, scatter more Dukkah over top and serve with lemon wedges.

If you live in a larger city, I’m sure you can pick up Dukkah seasoning in any Middle Eastern grocery store.  If not, check out my recipe for Dukkah, I like to keep it in my pantry.

 

Dukka

Ready for serving

Dukka/Dukkah?  You say Dukka?  What the heck is that???  It is a blend of Middle Eastern spices that you can use in so many ways.  I like to keep a jar of it on hand.  If you have unexpected guests get it out with some good olive oil and a chunk of bread and you have an appetizer ready.  

Use it as a rub on meats before grilling, blend it with some oil and vinegar for an instant salad dressing, mix it with good mayonnaise and you have a fantastic spread for sandwiches, burgers or a dip for vegetables – the possibilities are endless.

2/3 cup almonds

1/3 cup hazelnuts

2 tbsp sesame seeds                

4 tsp chili powder

2 tsp turmeric

1 tsp onion salt

1 tsp celery salt

1 tbsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp coriander seeds

cayenne pepper to taste

Toast almonds on baking sheet until golden brown and set aside

Toast hazelnuts until golden, then rub in a dish towel to remove most of the skin

Toast sesame seeds until golden

Lightly heat cumin seeds and coriander seeds just until fragrant

When everything has roasted/toasted and been prepped allow it to cool – then pulse in food processor (or use a mortar and pestle) until you have a powdery mixture with the occasional chunk of nut left for texture.

To serve as an appetizer just cut up chunks of bread into bite size pieces and set out 2 bowls – one of oil, and one of dukka.  Dip bread into the oil, then into the spice.  

Your first taste might have you puzzled, but wanting more – next thing you know – addicted!