Here we are “back-to-school”, which sadly means the end of summer.  To celebrate the end of a glorious summer, I’m posting a recipe for Charcoal grilled beef Kabobs.  I made these beef skewers while on holiday, and the nostalgic charcoal experience is tempting me to purchase this Bad-Boy for when I want to BBQ meat the way it should be bbq’d!  I found this recipe in my August Cook’s Illustrated.  Although the marinade appears to be a grocery list of ingredients, it was very quick to prepare.  I made the marinade before leaving for holiday, so I just had to assemble the skewers and let the meat sit in the marinade – the less prep while on vacation the better!

Charcoal Grilled Beef Kabobs

Marinade

• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped (1 1/4 cups)
• 6 medium garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons finely grated zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil, plus extra for cooking surface
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Beef and Vegetables

• 2 lbs sirloin steaks, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 large zucchini trimmed into 1-inch chunks
• 1 large red or green bell pepper, cut into cubes
• 1 large red or sweet onion cut into 4 wedges and then each wedge cut into thirds

1. For the marinade – place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Transfer 3/4 cup marinade to large bowl and set aside.
2. Place meat on skewers and vegtables on seperate skewers  and marinade skewers for at least 4hrs, can be marinaded for up to 24 hrs.
3. About 30 min before grilling, light charcoal briquettes in bbq, and allow to burn until coals are fully ignited and partly covered with ash (about 25 min.).
4. Dip a thick wade of paper towels in olive oil.  Using thongs, rub paper towels along cooking surface of grill.
5. Place meat skewers in the center of the grill and vegtable skewers along the perimeter of the grill.  Grill beef for about 12 – 15 min (for medium rare), turning every 2 -4 min.  Remove beef from grill.  Continue cooking vegtables for another 5 min, until they appear tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve – either on skewers, or remove from skewers before serving and servie on a large platter.
7. Enjoy!