Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Saffron-Infused Iranian Kebab with Rice and Barberry

Name: Saffron-Infused Iranian Kebab with Rice and Barberry
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 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; Ground lamb or beef, 1 pound; Onion, grated, 1 small; Garlic, minced, 2 cloves; Turmeric, 1 teaspoon; Cumin, 1 teaspoon; Basmati rice, 2 cups; Butter, 3 tablespoons; Saffron threads, 1/2 teaspoon; Salt, 1/4 teaspoon; Dried barberries, 1/2 cup; Butter, 2 tablespoons; Sugar, 1 tablespoon

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

4.7(230 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 15, 2026

Saffron-Infused Iranian Kebab with Rice and Barberry — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Saffron Marinade

For the Kebab

For the Rice

For the Barberries

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 623 kcal
Protein: 26.4 g
Carbs: 31.9 g
Fat: 44.5 g
Fiber: 1.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2492 kcal
Protein: 105.7 g
Carbs: 127.4 g
Fat: 177.8 g
Fiber: 5.8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon	1	0	0	0	0
Warm water 3 tablespoons	0	0	0	0	0
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons	7	0.1	2.4	0	0.1
Plain yogurt 1/4 cup	37	2.1	2.8	2	0
Olive oil 2 tablespoons	239	0	0	27	0
Salt & pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Ground lamb or beef 1 pound	1140	92	0	88	0
Onion, grated 1 small	28	0.8	6.6	0.1	1.2
Garlic, minced 2 cloves	9	0.4	2	0	0.1
Turmeric 1 teaspoon	8	0.3	1.4	0.2	0.5
Cumin 1 teaspoon	8	0.4	1	0.5	0.5
Basmati rice 2 cups	408	7.4	89.4	0.9	1.4
Butter 3 tablespoons	306	0.4	0	34.8	0
Saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon	2	0.1	0.2	0	0
Salt 1/4 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Dried barberries 1/2 cup	46	0.5	11	0.1	2
Butter 2 tablespoons	204	0.3	0	23.2	0
Sugar 1 tablespoon	49	0	12.6	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Kebab

1
Dissolve Saffron
Dissolve saffron in warm water to release its color.
2
Make Marinade
Mix saffron water, lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form the marinade.
3
Combine and Chill
Combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin with the marinade. Mix well and chill for 2 hours.
Tip: Ensure the kebab mixture is well-chilled to hold its shape during cooking.

Preparing the Rice

1
Rinse Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.
2
Parboil Rice
Boil water in a large pot, add rice, and cook until partially done; about 7 minutes. Drain.
3
Layer with Saffron
Return rice to the pot, layering with diluted saffron and butter.

How to Make Saffron-Infused Iranian Kebab with Rice and Barberry

Total time: 4 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Grilling the Kebab
Shape the meat mixture onto skewers and grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.
2
Steaming the Rice
Steam the rice over low heat for about 20 minutes until fluffy and aromatic.
3
Sautéing the Barberries
In a small pan, melt butter, add sugar, and cook barberries until plump and glossy.