| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 349 | 13g | 2g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 36g | 1.2g |
I am delighted to share with you a favorite recipe of mine, the Grilled Yacón & Chicken Skewers. While this may not be an Atlantic coast seafood special, it certainly resonates with my passion for fresh ingredients and flavors. Drawing inspiration from my roots in Portland, Maine, where grilling is a cherished summertime tradition, this recipe brings together the unique flavors of Yacón and an ever so popular ingredient, chicken.
The Intriguing Yacón
For those unfamiliar with Yacón, it’s a crisp and sweet tuber that can be compared to a water chestnut, yet holds its unique charm. Rich in potassium, antioxidants, and fiber, Yacón is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and enhance your digestive health. This unexpected ingredient is what makes Grilled Yacón & Chicken Skewers not just a tasty but a healthful treat.
Exploring the Flavor Palette
The blend of garden-fresh bell peppers and hearty red onion, coupled with the robust flavor of minced garlic, intertwines seamlessly with the Yacón and chicken. A gratifying symphony of soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh lemon juice elevate these skewers to a new realm of satisfaction. With dashes of ground cumin and black pepper, the dish radiates a delightful warmth that gratifies the palate.
Skewered dinners like this work wonderfully served over a fluffy bed of rice or side salad, rounded off with a refreshing beverage. For a fun twist, you can even pair these skewers with traditional New England Clam Chowder, hinting at my coastal roots!
So, whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or seeking a new addition to your weekday dinner rotation, the Grilled Yacón & Chicken Skewers are sure to please.
What You’ll Need
- 3 Yacóns, peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 bell peppers, cut into squares
- 1 large red onion, cut into squares
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- Juice of two lemons
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 12 skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the marinade for the skewers. In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, juice of two lemons, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Two
Add the chunks of chicken into the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. If you have more time, letting it marinate overnight would be better.
Step Three
While the chicken is marinating, start preparing the Yacóns, bell peppers, and red onions. Peel the Yacóns and cut them into thick rounds. Cut the bell peppers and red onions into squares.
Step Four
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. Begin to assemble the skewers. Start with a piece of Yacón, then add a piece of chicken, followed by a square of bell pepper and red onion. Repeat this process until the skewer is full. Do this for each skewer.
Step Five
Preheat your grill on medium heat. Once it’s ready, place the skewers on the grill. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Six
Once the skewers are done cooking, serve immediately. You can pair them with a fresh salad or serve them over rice for a full meal. Enjoy your Grilled Yacón & Chicken Skewers!
