Chicken Skewers With Zathar (Thyme And Sesame Marinade) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
750 g chicken breast fillets, chopped into bite size pieces
8 wooden skewers
Zathar spice mix (use 3 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
15 g fresh thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
To Serve
chili oil (optional) or chili powder, with olive oil (optional)
1 -2 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
mixed salad green (optional)
pita bread (optional)

Preparation

Soak 8 wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes.
To make the zathar spice mix, put the sesame seeds into a dry frying pan and toast over medium heat until golden and aromatic. Remove, let cool then transfer to a spice grinder (or clean coffee grinder). Add the thyme and salt and then blend to a coarse powder. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle. You will need 3 tablespoons for this recipe (put the remainder into an airtight container and keep in a cool place for future use).
Put the 3 tablespoons of zathar spice mix and olive oil into a shallow dish and mix well. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, add to the Zathar oil and toss well until coated. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the barbecue, then thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers and cook over hot coal for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, sprinkle with chilli oil and lemon juice and serve hot with salad or pita bread.