Basturma (Russian Marinated Skewered Beef) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup onion, finely grated
2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely cut or 1 tablespoon crumbled dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 lbs filet of beef or 2 lbs boneless sirloin, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
garnish
6 -8 scallions, cut into 4 inch long pieces,washed thoroughly and dried
1 lemon, quartered
fresh coriander or parsley sprig

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, combine the onion, basil, salt, pepper and vinegar.
Add the meat and toss it in the marinade to coat it thoroughly, then marinate at room temperature for 5-6 hours, tossing again every hour or so to keep the cubes moist.
Light a layer of coals in a charcoal broiler and burn until a white ash appears on the surface, or preheat your kitchen broiler to its highest point.
Remove the meat from the marinade and string them on 4 long skewers, pressing them firmly together.
Broil 4\" from the source of the heat, turning the skewers occasionally, until the meat is done to your taste (For rare allow about 10 minutes. Well done will take about 15).
Slide the meat off onto individual plates and garnish with scallions, lemon, and coriander or parsley.