Bison is leaner than beef and it tastes cleaner. These kebabs season ground bison with fresh mint, cilantro, cumin, allspice, and cinnamon, then serve them over whole wheat couscous with roasted cherries and hazelnuts. It sounds like many components, but everything cooks in under twenty-five minutes. This is one of my favorite things we make in summer when cherries are in season.
The couscous side is where it gets interesting. Fresh cherries roasted with raw hazelnuts, tossed with olive oil and lemon juice, and served alongside Greek yogurt with chopped mint. The warm spices in the kebabs and the tart roasted cherries belong together.
Tips for Making Bison Kebabs with Cherry Hazelnut Couscous
Do not overwork the bison
Ground bison is lean and toughens quickly if you handle it too much. Mix the herbs and spices in gently, shape the kebabs, and stop.
The kebabs cook fast on a grill or in a pan. Two to three minutes per side. Bison dries out if overcooked, so pull them while the centre is still slightly pink.
Roast the cherries and hazelnuts together
Fresh cherries and raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet with olive oil, roasted until the cherries soften and the nuts toast. About fifteen minutes at 400°F (204°C).
Toss them with the couscous while both are still warm. The warm cherries release juice into the grain.
Bison Kebabs with Roasted Cherry and Hazelnut Couscous
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Spiced bison kebabs are paired with nutty, roasted cherry couscous for a flavor-packed meal. A refreshing mint yogurt sauce completes this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp finely chopped mint
- 3 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 0.25 tsp ground allspice
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.75 lbs (340 g) ground bison
- 1 cup (237 ml) whole wheat couscous
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) fresh cherries
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) raw hazelnuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) fat-free Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped mint
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Soak 12 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes.
- Whisk together yogurt, 2 tablespoons mint, garlic, lemon juice, sugar, and water. Cover and chill.
- Pit, halve, and place cherries on a pan with cooking spray. Roast for 10 minutes, or until caramelized.
- Roast raw hazelnuts and let them cool for 15 minutes. When cool, roughly chop with a knife.
- Prepare whole wheat couscous according to package directions. Mix in cooled roasted cherries, leftover mint from the yogurt dipping sauce, and chopped hazelnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Mix mint and the next 6 ingredients in a bowl. Form into 12 football-shaped meatballs.
- Coat a grill pan (or regular pan) with cooking spray; preheat over medium-high heat (approximately 375°F (190°C)). Cook kebabs, turning, for 3 minutes for medium doneness.
- When done, poke wooden skewers through the meat and finish for 1-3 minutes in a 400°F (204°C) oven to ensure the meat is cooked through.
- Serve bison kebabs medium or medium-rare with a side of couscous.
Notes
- For easier cleanup, line your grilling pan with foil before cooking the kebabs.
- If you don’t have hazelnuts, substitute with walnuts or pecans for a similar nutty flavor.
- To make the couscous ahead of time, prepare it according to package directions, then store it separately from the cherries and nuts in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of bison?
Yes. Use lean ground beef for the closest match. The spice mix works the same way. Bison has a slightly sweeter, gamier flavour that beef does not replicate, but the kebabs are still good.
What if I cannot find fresh cherries?
Frozen cherries work. Thaw and drain them before roasting. Dried cherries are also an option but they will not release juice the way fresh or frozen do. Soak dried cherries in warm water for ten minutes first.
What is the yogurt for?
The Greek yogurt with chopped mint is served alongside as a cooling dip. It contrasts with the warm spices in the kebabs and the tartness of the roasted cherries. About half a cup per serving.
