Kababs
Kabab meat is typically cut away from the bone into bite-size cubes, although kafta (ground meat and nuts with spices, formed into meatballs) is also popular. The meat is usually marinated in olive oil and lemon juice, with various spices added, ranging from relatively mild ones such as garlic to hot peppers and smoked paprika. Typical vegetables include aubergine (eggplant), tomato, potato, and onion. Meat and vegetables are alternated along the length of a skewer and then placed atop a charcoal brazier and grilled. The use of charcoal is an economical adaptation to the wide shortage of fuelwood in the Middle East, and only rarely are kebabs cooked directly on wood there.