Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Saffron-Infused Persian Lamb Kebabs with Sumac Onions

Name: Saffron-Infused Persian Lamb Kebabs with Sumac Onions
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 500g lamb leg, cut into 2-inch cubes; 1 tsp saffron threads, crushed; 2 tbsp warm water; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 large red onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp sumac powder; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; 1 cup yogurt; 2 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp lemon juice

Succulent lamb kebabs infused with aromatic saffron, accompanied by tangy sumac onions for a traditional Persian touch.

4.2(89 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 28, 2026

Saffron-Infused Persian Lamb Kebabs with Sumac Onions — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Lamb Kebabs

For the Sumac Onions

For the Marinade

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 460 kcal
Protein: 32.4 g
Carbs: 16.2 g
Fat: 30.6 g
Fiber: 2.4 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1839 kcal
Protein: 129.4 g
Carbs: 64.6 g
Fat: 122.2 g
Fiber: 9.6 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
500g lamb leg cut into 2-inch cubes	1100	115	0	72	0
1 tsp saffron threads crushed	3	0.1	0.7	0	0.1
2 tbsp warm water	0	0	0	0	0
3 tbsp olive oil	360	0	0	41	0
1 large onion grated	60	1.7	14	0.1	2.6
2 cloves garlic minced	9	0.4	2	0	0.1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 large red onions thinly sliced	88	2	21	0.2	4
2 tbsp sumac powder	14	0	2.9	0.5	1
Juice of 1 lemon	12	0.2	4	0.1	0.3
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup yogurt	154	8.5	12	8	0
2 tsp cumin powder	16	0.8	2.9	0.9	0.3
1 tsp turmeric powder	9	0.3	1.4	0.1	0.5
1 tsp paprika	6	0.3	1.2	0.3	0.6
2 tbsp lemon juice	8	0.1	2.5	0.1	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Soak Saffron
Soak saffron threads in warm water for 5 minutes.
Tip: Soak the saffron in warm water to release its full aroma and color.
2
Combine Marinade
In a large bowl, combine saffron water, olive oil, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3
Marinate Lamb
Add lamb cubes, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Tip: Marinate the lamb overnight for even more flavor infusion.

Preparing the Sumac Onions

1
Mix Ingredients
In another bowl, combine sliced onions with sumac powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
2
Toss and Rest
Toss well and let it sit for 15 minutes.
3
Drain
Drain any excess liquid before serving.

How to Make Saffron-Infused Persian Lamb Kebabs with Sumac Onions

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Skewering
Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers.
2
Grilling
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and place skewers on the grill rack.
3
Basting
Occasionally brush with leftover marinade for juiciness.