Saffron-Infused Iranian Kebab with Rice and Barberry

Name: Saffron-Infused Iranian Kebab with Rice and Barberry
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Saffron threads; Warm water; Lemon juice; Plain yogurt; Olive oil; Salt & pepper; Ground lamb or beef; Onion, grated; Garlic, minced; Turmeric; Cumin; Basmati rice; Butter; Saffron threads; Salt; Dried barberries; Butter; Sugar

A traditional Persian delight

Dive into the rich and aromatic world of Persian cuisine with this succulent saffron-infused kebab served alongside fragrant rice and tangy barberries.

3 h
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Saffron Marinade

Saffron threads

1/4 teaspoon

Warm water

3 tablespoons

Lemon juice

2 tablespoons

Plain yogurt

1/4 cup

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Salt & pepper

to taste

For the Kebab

Ground lamb or beef

1 pound

Onion, grated

1 small

Garlic, minced

2 cloves

Turmeric

1 teaspoon

Cumin

1 teaspoon

For the Rice

Basmati rice

2 cups

Butter

3 tablespoons

Saffron threads

1/2 teaspoon

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

For the Barberries

Dried barberries

1/2 cup

Butter

2 tablespoons

Sugar

1 tablespoon

Preparation

Marinating the Kebab

Dissolve Saffron

Dissolve saffron in warm water to release its color.

Make Marinade

Mix saffron water, lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form the marinade.

Combine and Chill

Combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin with the marinade. Mix well and chill for 2 hours.

Ensure the kebab mixture is well-chilled to hold its shape during cooking.

Preparing the Rice

Rinse Rice

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.

Parboil Rice

Boil water in a large pot, add rice, and cook until partially done; about 7 minutes. Drain.

Layer with Saffron

Return rice to the pot, layering with diluted saffron and butter.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Kebab

Shape the meat mixture onto skewers and grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.

Steaming the Rice

Steam the rice over low heat for about 20 minutes until fluffy and aromatic.

Sautéing the Barberries

In a small pan, melt butter, add sugar, and cook barberries until plump and glossy.

To enhance the flavor, soak barberries in water for 10 minutes before cooking.

Plating & Serving