Kebab - 'Thanasis Style'

When in Athens a must stop foodie institution is 'O Thanasis'.  Located in Monastiraki this kebab shop is the first place we go to after checking in to our favourite airbnb down the road.  The aroma of these tasty carnivorous delights is the little trigger in my mind that I am in fact in Athens and not just dreaming of another Greece trip.

As I can't get to Greece and Turkey as often as I'd like I made up a spice mix to remind me of my travels.  The 'Politiki Kouzina' spice mix is a versatile mix for a lot of the Greek cuisine that originated in Asia Minor and travelled back to Greece with the Greek refugees.  I use this in my soutzoukakia smyreika, tas kebab, hunkar begendi or even in my burgers.  Being a Greek of Asia Minor descent this aromatic mix is a favourite. 

Nothing can replicate the ambience of sitting in one of the many Monastiraki taverns but when you are next barbecuing on a warm summer night, follow this recipe put on some Greek music, have a couple of Alpha or Vergina beers and Thanasi's your uncle....

'O Thanasis'

Monastiraki - Athens

Ingredients

500g beef mince (preferably with a bit of fat)

1/2 tbs 'Politiki Kouzina' spice mix

1/2 medium grated onion

1 egg

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/3 cup water

Salad

1/2 thinly sliced red onion

1/2 cup chopped continental parsley

1 tsp sumak

sprinkle salt

Method

Mix breadcrumbs, spices, water, egg and onion and combine well.

Add mince and mix well with hands.  Knead and squish meat through your fingers for at least 3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients have been mixed through thoroughly.

Leave in fridge for about an hour or until your charcoal bbq is ready.

Make the onion salad by combining all salad ingredients

Grill and serve with home made pita bread or my favourite 'Mr Pita', grilled tomatoes and some onion parsley salad.

Note: 1. You can also make these without the breadcrumbs and egg in the recipe. 

           2. Start with 1/2 tbs spice mix and and a bit more if you desire.   

A couple of happy customers...

Kali Orexi and happy barbecuing...xxx

Kalliroy aka Carol