Today marks World Kebab Day, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate by cooking your own homemade kebabs infused with an Irish twist.
In a survey conducted last year by recipe box delivery service, HelloFresh Ireland, kebabs secured the fifth spot on Ireland’s list of most beloved takeaways, making this occasion all the more special.
Hannah Duxbury, Head of Culinary at HelloFresh IE, shares how to infuse Irish flavours into kebabs for a unique twist that everyone will love.
“There are many ways to incorporate Irish ingredients and flavours into the classic kebab recipe, offering a delicious twist to enjoy at home while retaining the essence of a takeaway experience. These adaptations are not only simple to recreate but also offer a budget-friendly alternative. By incorporating Irish elements, you can elevate your homemade kebabs with rich flavours that appeal to both palate and pocket.”
Irish Lamb Kebabs
For a charming Irish twist, Hannah suggests marinating your Irish lamb with a blend of honey and mustard and grilling until the lamb is tender. Serve it with champ instead of chips, a beloved Irish side made from mashed potatoes mixed scallions, butter, and milk. She says, “Its creamy texture and subtle onion flavour is the perfect complement to the rich and tender flavour of the lamb.”
Guinness Beef Kebabs
Take your kebab game to the next level by marinating your chosen cut of beef in a mixture of Guinness stout and preferred herbs such as garlic, rosemary and thyme. Pop in the grill until the beef is cooked to your liking and serve with a side of Irish soda bread. “It’s great for soaking up the sauce instead of pita bread.”
Chickpea Gyros
For those seeking a healthier, meat-free alternative to kebabs, try gyros instead! This veggie version packed with chickpeas and cheese is arguably just as delicious as the original. Its combination of wholesome ingredients not only makes it a nutritious choice but also ensures that you don’t miss out on the savoury satisfaction typically associated with traditional kebabs.
How to recreate other popular takeaways
The data analysis also found pizza is the most popular takeaway in Ireland, closely followed by Chinese in second, fish and chips in third. For those looking to indulge in their favourite takeaway dishes at a fraction of the cost, Hannah reveals how to make more nutritious versions of the top three favourites at home.
Tips on making fresh pizza at home
According to my Hannah, Ireland’s favourite takeaway is one of the easiest dishes to make at home.
“Making pizza at home with a homemade base and fresh toppings is already instantly more nutritionally beneficial because it doesn’t use as many fats and sugars,” says Hannah.
“There’s a big craze for alternative crusts, such as cauliflower, but as long as you’re using fresh, natural toppings, there’s really no need to switch from a classic dough. If you do want an extra nutrition boost, however, opt for wholemeal flour for an extra source of fibre. That way, it doesn’t compromise taste. Then, when it comes to topping your pizza, be sure to pack it with fresh veggies, lean meat and just a small sprinkle of cheese.”
Tips on making Chinese dishes at home
“When making Chinese dishes at home, try to opt for natural flavourings such as honey, ginger, garlic and chilli. It’s a great idea to use broth and vinegar as a base for your sauce too, as these create a rich flavour without the extra calories,” explains Hannah.
Tips on making fish and chips at home
“It’s easy to make delicious fish and chips at home using your oven or airfryer. At HelloFresh, we create a crust by mixing breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt and pepper, and coating it on the fish with a layer of mayo. It makes an amazing texture and is really flavourful,” Hannah notes.
By cooking at home, it’s easy to enjoy takeaway favourites with less calories, unhealthy fats and sugars. More delicious recipes can be found on the HelloFresh recipe hub.