The story behind the origin of seekh kebab is as interesting as the dish itself. Seekh Kebab, originally known as Shish Kebab was introduced to us by the Turks. In Turkish, Shish actually means a “sword” or skewer and Kebab means “to roast”.

Legend has it that Shish Kebab was first originated on the open field as the Turkish soldiers would take shelter in the forests during night time and hunt for any wild meat that they could find. They would then skewer it on their sword and roast it. 

This method was used by Turkish tribes during the war as they pushed west from their homeland in Central Asia while they first invaded Anatolia.
The true Shish Kebabs are pieces of marinated lamb affixed to flat or four-sided bladed metal skewers. These are grilled over a fire suspended by a skewer holder, without the meat ever touching the grilling grate.

The varieties of marinades are wide and could include any combinations of olive oil, lemon juice, onion juice, milk, yogurt, bay leaves, cinnamon, cumin, and other spices.

Meats used in seekh kebabs are usually marinated prior to cooking. A basic marinade might consist of only olive oil, lemon juice, and onions, while a more complex one would include marjoram, crumbled bay leaves, cinnamon, allspice, and other spices.