Spiedis

Spiedis is a delicious Italian dish originating from Binghamton, New York, and is a local specialty in the area. This traditional recipe features skewered meat, grilled to perfection like kabobs, and then wrapped in Italian bread to be enjoyed as a flavorful sandwich. The marinade for spiedis consists of a combination of canola oil, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, and a blend of dried herbs and seasonings. The marinade infuses the meat with incredible flavors, making it tender and succulent. This versatile dish can be made with various meats such as pork, beef, lamb, venison, chicken, or turkey, allowing you to customize it to your preference. Grilled to your desired doneness and served on long Italian rolls or hot dog buns, spiedis are a delightful and satisfying treat.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup canola oil
• ⅔ cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 2½ pounds boneless lean pork, beef, lamb, venison, chicken, or turkey, cut into 1½-to 2-inch cubes
• Italian rolls or hot dog buns

PREPARATION:

1. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the canola oil, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, salt, sugar, dried basil, dried marjoram, and dried rosemary. Add the meat cubes to the bag, seal it, and turn to coat the meat thoroughly in the marinade. Refrigerate for 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
2. After marinating, remove the meat from the bag and discard the marinade. Thread the meat onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.
3. Preheat the grill to medium heat or preheat the broiler. Lightly oil the grill rack by moistening a paper towel with cooking oil and using long-handled tongs to coat the rack.
4. Grill the skewered meat, covered, over medium heat or broil it 4 inches from the heat source for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat reaches your desired doneness.
5. Remove the meat from the skewers and serve it on long Italian rolls or hot dog buns.

YIELD: Makes 8 servings

PREP/COOK TIME: 10 minutes preparation + 24 hours marinating + 10-15 minutes grilling

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To achieve the best flavor, allow the meat to marinate for a full 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even coating.
• You can use metal or soaked wooden skewers for grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the meat to prevent them from burning.
• Experiment with different types of meat to find your favorite variation of spiedis. Each meat imparts its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• For added flavor, grill the meat over charcoal or wood chips for a smoky taste.
• Serve spiedis with your choice of condiments and toppings, such as chopped fresh herbs, onions, or a drizzle of additional marinade.
• If Italian rolls or hot dog buns are not available, you can use other types of bread or rolls to wrap the grilled meat.

TIPS:

• For a more tender result, choose lean cuts of meat and avoid overcooking.
• Serve spiedis with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or pasta salad for a complete meal.
• Spiedis are perfect for outdoor gatherings and picnics, as they can be prepared in advance and enjoyed as a portable and flavorful meal.
• Leftover spiedis can be refrigerated and enjoyed as leftovers. They can be reheated in the microwave or lightly grilled for a quick and delicious meal.

Spiedis, a traditional Italian dish originating from Binghamton, New York, are skewered and grilled meat sandwiches that offer an explosion of flavors. This recipe allows you to savor the deliciousness of spiedis at home. The marinade, made with canola oil, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and a blend of herbs and seasonings, infuses the meat with incredible taste and tenderness. You can choose from a variety of meats, such as pork, beef, lamb, venison, chicken, or turkey, to create your perfect spiedis. Grilled to your desired doneness, the meat is then wrapped in Italian rolls or hot dog buns for a delightful sandwich experience.

Preparing spiedis is a simple process. Marinate the meat for 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop, then thread the cubes onto skewers and grill them to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful meat with a hint of smokiness. Serve spiedis with your favorite condiments and toppings, such as chopped herbs or onions, to enhance the taste even further.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a casual weeknight meal, spiedis are a crowd-pleasing option that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italian cuisine. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different meats and seasonings to create your own signature spiedis. Enjoy the savory, tender, and satisfying experience of these Italian-style grilled meat sandwiches.