
Persian Joojeh Kebab on a bed of Chelo and Fried Egg with Shirazi Salad
Today’s recipe is Persian Joojeh Kebab on a bed of Chelo, Fried egg and Shirazi Salad which essentially means delicious fragrant and succulent grilled chicken kebabs served with steamed aromatic buttered rice with a side of fried egg and shirazi salad.
In my last post we were talking about Persian Salad-e-Olivieh, a delicious salad which is enjoyed with thin, light and airy Taftoon bread and now these awesome kebabs I seem to be on a perpetual persian hangover 🙂
This is what we had in the restaurant and what got me hooked into Persian cuisine. Looking at this pic makes me feel hungry.. 😉 Its is called Koobideh Kebab. Minced lamb kebabs served on a bed of Chelo with salad on the side. The portions are pretty large btw! It is one of the juiciest and yummiest kebabs we have ever eaten. What amazing flavours!!
By now you must be wondering what is Joojeh kebab?! What is Chelo?!
Well Joojeh Kebab is a Persian Grilled Chicken Kebabs. The marinade of this kebab is really unique. Chicken pieces are marinated for at least 12-24 hours in minced onion, olive oil and saffron. Yes! Saffron.. Saffron is an aromatic spice that is used extensively in Persian cuisine. I absolutely adore the lovely deep yellow-orangy colour as well as a gorgeous delicate aroma it gives to the rice or any meat dish.
Now you can imagine how AROMATIC, flavourful and succulent this chicken kebabs are. And it is not served or eaten alone, but served on a bed of Chelo which is cooked buttered-saffron rice or lavash or taftoon bread.
Salad Shirazi is another fabulous Persian salad. It is a healthy and delicious salad and it is super easy to make.
This is a refreshing minty-lemony salad made with Diced cucumber, tomato, onions and dried mint leaves with a dressing of lemon-olive oil. YUMMM!!!
So without wasting anymore time.. Lets hop on to he recipe.. Bon Appetite!!


- 450 grams Chicken Breast, rinsed &n dry and cubed into 1 inch pieces
- 1 large white Onion, minced
- 1 teaspoon Chilli flakes
- 10-15 strands Saffron
- 3-4 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil
- 2 tablespoon warm water
- Salt and Pepper as per taste
- 2 large Tomato, Half
- 2 eggs
- 1 cucumber, try to dice as fine as 1/4″
- 1 large tomato, try to dice as fine as 1/4″
- 1 small onion, try to dice as fine as 1/4″
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Dried mint
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 2 cups Basmati rice (or any other long grain rice)
- 6 cups of Water
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1-2 tablespoon Butter
- 5-6 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Water
- a pinch Saffron in one tablespoon of warm water
- Soak the saffron in 2 tablespoon of warm water and let it steep for 5-10 mins
- Place the chicken in a large bowl. Marinate the chicken pieces with minced onion, chilli flakes, olive oil, salt and pepper and the saffron-water.
- Cover and marinate for at least overnight or upto 24 hours in a refrigerator.
- Preheat grill to medium high or use a health grill.
- Place chicken cubes on skewers. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes on the grill turning occasionally basting with some olive oil (in my health grill it took about 10-15 minutes.)
- Grill the halved tomatoes too until you get a charred skin on top.
- In a bowl toss diced ingredients with dried ground mint, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Chill for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge (Let the flavours blend and soak in) and serve.
- In a large nonstick saucepan pour 6 cups water, add oil and salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the rice and continue cooking over medium to high heat, stirring occasionally.
- After 3–5 minutes, scoop some grains from the water. Break one grain in half to make sure it is al dente.
- Now turn off the heat and drain the rice using a colander and set aside.
- Heat a heavy bottom pan over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon water.
- Now add the drained rice. Add 2 tablespoon butter and the saffron water on top.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes. Until the rice is cooked.
- Fry the eggs (sunny side up) just before serving.
- Serve the aromatic buttered rice on a platter, then add the joojeh kebabs, grilled tomato and shirazi salad.
- Enjoy!
- The salad is best made shortly before serving, as the mixture of lemon and other juices will turn sour if left for too long.



I love saffron, but hardly ever use it. Thanks for giving me a reason to 😀 This dish looks so delicious! My guys would be happy to see this for dinner!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods recently posted…Cherry Almond Smoothie
Thanks a lot, Cindy! You and your family will love this.. The delicate flavour and aroma of Saffron makes this dish unique and delicious.. 🙂
I love the name for this chicken kebab dish! Your presentation is beautiful, and the fried egg gives it the perfect touch. Looks amazing!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…White Chocolate Oreo Rice Krispie Treats
The fried egg just completes this dish! Thanks a lot Gayle!! 😀
I’ve never cooked with saffron before, but would definitely love to try sometime. I love the fried egg on top, looks delicious!
Danielle recently posted…Restaurant Style Salsa
Thanks a lot, Danielle!! Please do try and let me know how you like it!! 🙂
Whoa!!! This entire plate is calling me. This is exactly the kind of dinner I want tomorrow. It looks amazing. Pinned!!!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic recently posted…Spaghetti Alla Carbonara with Cauliflower and Peas
Thank you so much Kathy!! 😀
This is a crazy beautiful plate and I want all of it!!
Sues recently posted…Coconut Cupcakes with Fresh Chocolate Mint Buttercream
Thank you so much Sues!! 🙂
All of this is making me so hungry (and we just shared a huge pizza!) I love chicken kebabs. I can’t wait to try this!
Monet recently posted…Walnut Oatmeal Muffins
Thank you so much Monet! 🙂
KABOB!!! I CRAVE CRAVE CRAVEEEE kabob every second, or every day of my LIFE! I wanted it so badly for lunch and my father wasn’t in the mood. I actually got ANGRY! LOL!
Aww.. dont be angry! You can have it tomorrow. . Try harder to convince your dad. . 🙂
I love saffron, I used to have this little tin of saffron I kept (secretly) in my knife roll. I’m a chef by trade, it was great to sneak it into my cooking, it seemed to really lift the dish too. This dish looks oh so yummy and delicious, especially with the egg on top. 🙂
Anna Johnston recently posted…The Mad Brewers Beer Degustation
Saffron is one amazing ingredien and my fav. . Love how aromatic it is. .. glad you like it Anna!! 🙂
Completely my kind of dish! I could eat this way every day! Thanks for another great recipe. : )
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle recently posted…Ratatouille From the Grill over Charred Bread with Burrata Cheese
Glad you liked it Crystal!! Thanks! 😀
oh my goodness!! this entire plate looks so good!! love the chicken kebabs and the fried egg on top of the rice! My kind of dish!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich + A Giveaway from Maille
I am so glad you liked it.. Thanks Alice!!
Wow, I love everything about this dish! It looks gorgeous, Arpita! I love saffron and really need to use it more often. This dish looks full of flavor and the fried egg on top is just perfect 🙂
Thank you so much Kelly!! 😀
I love the addition of saffron to this.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on How To Stay Healthy on Holiday by Lisa Mallis
Saffron gives an amazing flavour and aroma to this dish. . Glad you liked it!! Thanks a lot Dannii!! 🙂
This is super impressive!!
Annie @Maebells recently posted…Homemade Hash Browns
Thanks Annie!! 🙂
This looks so delicious! And I’m a firm believer that a fried egg can make anything approximately 10x better than it already is 😛
Rachael | Spache the Spatula recently posted…Summer Harvest Ice Cream
Oh yes!! Fried egg makes anything better.. 🙂 Thanks Rachael..
these kebabs look delicious arpita. can’t remember the last time i made my own kebabs, definitely inspired to recreate the recipe!
Thalia @ butter and brioche recently posted…Earl Grey Tea Loaf Cake
Thank you Thalia! ! 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted…Knickerbocker Glory with Strawberries and Nuts
WOW Arpita, this looks amazing! I am a HUGE fan of saffron (although it’s VERY expensive here), but every time I cook with it – I love it. I have to tell you – these photos are amazing…they made me SO hungry and it’s bedtime where I’m at!!! Trust me, if you were here making this, I’d be sitting at the table ready to eat! 🙂 Pinned!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen recently posted…Snickerdoodle Cookies
Oh how wish you stayed closer.. i would have loved to make this for you. . Glad you like it Kristi! 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted…Knickerbocker Glory with Strawberries and Nuts
The chicken skewers look great! I love saffron, but never remember to actually pull it out. I love the vegetables you served this with, too. Beautiful plate!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Brownie Batter Overnight Chia and Oats + 5 Reasons to Eat Chocolate for Breakfast
Thank you Michelle! Glad you like it! 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted…Knickerbocker Glory with Strawberries and Nuts
I’m glad I already ate dinner or I’d be pawing at the screen in hunger and lust! 😛
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted…Bewitched by Chiloé Island, Chile
Haha! Glad you like it Lorraine! 🙂
I love all this Persian food you are sharing with us, it looks and sounds so fragrant and certainly colourful 😀
Emma @ Bake Then Eat recently posted…Almond and Sour Cherry Muffins
Thanks for stopping by Emma!! 🙂
Wow, your dishes never cease to amaze me! This is such a gorgeous dinner, Arpita! Love those kebabs and that fried egg looks perfect!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven recently posted…Best-Ever Blueberry Cobbler
Thank you so much Sarah!! You are a sweetheart. . Glad you like it! ! 🙂
Arpita, this dish is beyond amazing — everything about it! It was delicious already, then you went and added a fried egg…oh my!
Thankyou Marcie! ! Glad you like it! 🙂
This sound fabulous…I love all the component! Put a fried egg on anything and I’m happy!
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen recently posted…Quinoa and Corn Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
Thanks Jessica! ! Glad you liked it! 🙂
Holy yum, Arpita! This looks like heaven! I love that you serve it alongside a fried egg–brilliant 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal recently posted…BLACKENED SHRIMP TACOS WITH AVOCADO CREMA & MANGO SALSA
Thankyou Amy! Glad you like it! 🙂
I am just learning the benefits of marinating meat, preferably overnight. It makes such a difference to the final result!
I think I’ve told you before that I love Persian food, so this is really making my mouth water. I love the egg on top – looks so appetizing that I could even eat this for my breakfast right now!
Helen @ Scrummy Lane recently posted…Lemon Bakewell slices
I know!! the longer you marinade, the meat becomes more tastier, juicier and tender.. thanks Helen! Glad you like it!!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted…Knickerbocker Glory with Strawberries and Nuts
chicken and eggs OMG love this! Total protein power meal, pinning!
katie recently posted…Cookies n’ Cream Ice Cream Cake
Thanks a lot Katie!! 🙂
This looks amazing! I’ve never had Persian cuisine but it has all the flavors I love! Can’t want to give these a go! Pinned!
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking recently posted…Peach Crisp Cupcakes with Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Thank you!! Glad you liked it Lindsey! 🙂
What a fabulous looking meal! The kabobs look so good. Love your pictures!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen recently posted…Tortilla Crusted Chicken with Coconut Rice
Thank you Christin!!
What a wonderful recipe! I love middle eastern food, but I’ve actually never had anything Persian. This looks absolutely amazing, so I think I’ll have to try it soon 😀
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} recently posted…Zuchinni Noodles w/ Pistacio & Lemon Pesto
Thank you!! Please do try and let me know how you get on!! 🙂
This looks delicious! I haven’t tried much Persian food before, but it sounds amazingly good!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext recently posted…Limoncello Cheesecake {No-Bake}
Thanks Jess!!
This looks so amazing! I don’t know what I’m more excited about, the kebabs or the fried egg on the rice.
Andi @ The Weary Chef recently posted…Saturday Night Fever #48 Featuring Vegetable Recipes
Everything on this plate was super yummy.. Glad you like it Andi!!
a lovely looking recipe, the fried egg takes it to a whole new level!
Thanks!! 🙂
I love how there is so much variety on this plate! You get a few bites of everything in each forkful.
Joanne recently posted…Drunken Noodles with Tofu and Peppers
Oh yes!! A plate full of deliciousness.. 😀 Thanks Joanne!!
Wow this looks like such a yummy feast!!
Tash recently posted…Deep Filled Sour Cream Blueberry Pie Bars
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YUM!!! I recently got into this huge persian food thing and this looks absolutely ridiculous. I’ve never even attempted to make any myself so I just keep going to restaurants for it, but I think I’m gonna start trying to do it myself too.
shelley @ Bacon Egg & Cheese{cake} recently posted…A Birthday Cake: Lemon Vanilla Cake with Coconut Frosting
Me too.. 😀 isn’t it amazing.. Please do try and let me know how you get on!! 😀
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted…Knickerbocker Glory with Strawberries and Nuts
such a yummy treat
Thanks Sohini!! 🙂
I’m not even hungry right now but my mouth is watering looking at your pictures! YUM!!!
Kathleen R. recently posted…pumpkin smoothie.
Thanks Kathleen!! 🙂