They became pacifists and vegetarians in Russia based on the principles of their spiritual leader Peter Verigin and his idol, the Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy. However, not all eschewed meat, and for that we can be grateful because it gave us one of the most unique regional foods in our province: shishliki.
Shishliki is an old Russian recipe of marinated and grilled lamb. It's a specialty around Yorkton, Kamsack and Canora, where it's popular at weddings, summer barbeques, community events and family reunions.
Traditionally, there are just three ingredients – lamb, onion and salt. Lemon may be added as a tenderizer if the meat is tough, but it is unlikely the first prairie Doukhobors ever saw a lemon or could afford one if they did.
Among the 7,500 Doukhobors who came to Canada in 1899 was the Zbeetnoff family, whose descendant Michelle (Zbeetnoff) Hughes of Norquay is publisher of Prairies North magazine. Even though she was raised in the bosom of her mother's Ukrainian family, she still makes the shishliki and piroshky (fruit pies) of her Russian Doukhobor grandmother.
"I want my children to be familiar with the old recipes because it's part of their heritage," she says. "Back then, it was subsistence living. Everything they had was by the hard work of their own hands."
And in this recipe, the hands are still at work. No spoon allowed! Pork or chicken may be substituted for the lamb.
Shishliki
2 lbs lamb (1 kg)
Salt
Pepper (optional)
1 big onion, sliced
Cut meat in 2-inch cubes. In a bowl, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, if using. With your hands, rub the seasoning into the meat. Mix in onion. Cover and refrigerate 3–7 days, turning the meat once a day. Thread meat onto skewers and grill.
Note: If you're feeding a crowd, use 50 lbs of meat, 20 lbs of onions, 1/2 cup salt and 1/4 cup pepper.
(This article first appeared in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.)
7 comments:
I grew up north of Canora and now live in the southern states. This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you for posting! I can't wait to share this with my family!
That's terrific B. I hope they all enjoy it!!
I grew up with this recipe. Can’t wait to try it again. Thanks.
My grandparents lives in Canora. My grandmother, FAnny Petroff, used to put this in a big crock and leave it on the counter for a few days. Now that my mom has passed, I'm gonna give this a try. My family loves this. Thanks.
Norquay,kamsack area best shishliki.pork,chicken,lamb and beef
Meat onions and salt best bbq meat ever
Yummmmmm .... nuff said. I remember growing up visiting my Grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts in Canora and Mikado. Shishliki, perogies, cabbage rolls and lotsa fun ....
So the ingredients are salt, pepper and onion?
That’s it?
How small is the onion sliced?
This seems too simple. I just got back from Canora and enjoyed some.
Soooo good!
Can’t be this simple!!?
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