The art of grilling meats and vegetables is undoubtedly as old as mankind itself, and the art of the barbecue, has traveled all over the world in just the same manner as early man or civilization did. In its journey across the lands, the styles of grilling took on local flavors and local tastes, and developed some distinct notes.

In Russia, for instance, the shashlik is a popular method of grilling meats on skewers on open grills. The shashlik originated in Asia and traveled along the Silk Route. It grew in popularity as the way the caravan traders cooked their food. It was the main dish of the people of Central Asia for centuries. The shashlik was established as the major food type during the Mongol occupation, and today is the single most popular summer dish in Russia and neighboring countries.

The shashlik is a simple food form. It is basically cubes of meat skewered on steel or wooden skewers, and then cooked over either an open fire or a bed of coals. Today, it is also cooked in a broiler, but this method does not yield the results that the open fire or the coals can achieve. Sausages are also commonly grilled over an open flame, and Chicken Kiev and pierogies are sometimes baked in ovens after which they can be grilled.

The shashlik is made of different types of meat: lamb, mutton, beef, venison, pork, camel, horse or goat. In the Islamic areas of Central Asia and the Crimea, pork is obviously not used nor is it used by the Jews in areas of the Causcaus Mountains.

The shashlik is typically eaten in a social atmosphere. It is generally cooked for a gathering of family and friends. The shashlik is best eaten in the open, and the Russian dacha is the best place for that. The meat is eaten with fresh vegetables, ketchup, Georgian bread called “lavash” and salads. The beverages consumed with shashlik may be wine, beer, other alcohol, juice, or even water.

If you are not Russian, and invited to a barbecue in the country, use it as an opportunity to meet and befriend your Russian hosts. Take along some alcohol, checking with the hosts to see what they would prefer. Remember whichever country you may be in, whatever the barbecue dish may be, burger or shashlik, the ambience will be the same, as will the purpose. Enjoy the outdoors and the grilled, juicy meats, the fresh, crunchy side dishes, let your hair down and have a great time!

For desserts, you could keep it simple with the ice cream, perhaps Italian gelato. If you want to keep it healthy and low calorie, you could go for some grilled or just plain fruits.

Plan games for the kids and the adults. You could organize a game of croquet, bocce ball or even baseball if you can make the space. Importantly, a good barbecue swings only with some good music in the background. Pick out some favorite tunes, or better still, ask your guests to bring along some of their favorite CDs. Add some simple decorations, and you have a great Memorial Day cookout at hand!

Author Bio: For more information about outdoor grills and cooking accessories visit our website at http://www.outdoorgrillcenter.com/

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: grilling meats ,grilling took ,central asia ,open fire