Khorovats (Armenian Grilled Pork Skewers)
Local name: Խորոված
In short: Chunks of pork marinated in onion, wine and pepper, threaded on flat skewers and grilled over coals with tomatoes and peppers. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 390 kcal
Khorovats is Armenian barbecue, and it is how most celebrations, weekend picnics and summer gatherings are cooked. Chunks of pork, lamb or beef go into a plain marinade of grated onion, salt and pepper, then onto wide, flat skewers and over a bed of glowing coals. The seasoning is simple because the smoke and the quality of the meat do the work. Tomatoes and peppers grill alongside, and lavash, herbs and onion rings come to the table.
Instructions
- Mix the pork with the grated onion, pomegranate juice, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 12 hours.
- Light a charcoal grill and wait until the coals are covered in gray ash and glowing evenly. A gas grill should be on medium-high.
- Wipe most of the onion off the pork. Thread the chunks tightly onto flat metal skewers, with a small gap at each end.
- Grill the skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until browned and no longer pink in the center, at least 63°C (145°F).
- Grill the tomatoes and peppers on the cooler part of the grate for 6 to 8 minutes, until charred in spots and softened.
- Rest the meat for 5 minutes, then slide it off the skewers onto a platter lined with flatbread. Serve with the vegetables, onion rings, fresh herbs and sumac.
Tips
- Use pork neck or shoulder, or lamb shoulder, with some fat. Lean cuts dry out over the coals.
- No charcoal? Use a very hot grill pan or the broiler, turning often, and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smoke.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with khorovats?
Lavash, grilled tomatoes and peppers, sliced onion with sumac and plenty of fresh herbs. Red wine or tan, a salty yogurt drink, goes well.
Can I marinate khorovats ahead of time?
Marinate for up to 12 hours and skewer just before grilling. Longer than that and the onion juice starts to make the meat mushy.
Which meat is best for khorovats?
Pork shoulder or neck is the most common choice in Armenia, followed by lamb and beef. Pick a cut with some fat so it stays juicy.
How long does it take to make Khorovats (Armenian Grilled Pork Skewers)?
About 55 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Khorovats (Armenian Grilled Pork Skewers)?
About 390 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 390 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
