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.
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods
August 20, 2014I 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thanks a lot, Cindy! You and your family will love this.. The delicate flavour and aroma of Saffron makes this dish unique and delicious.. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
August 20, 2014I love the name for this chicken kebab dish! Your presentation is beautiful, and the fried egg gives it the perfect touch. Looks amazing!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014The fried egg just completes this dish! Thanks a lot Gayle!! 😀
Danielle
August 20, 2014I’ve never cooked with saffron before, but would definitely love to try sometime. I love the fried egg on top, looks delicious!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thanks a lot, Danielle!! Please do try and let me know how you like it!! 🙂
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic
August 21, 2014Whoa!!! This entire plate is calling me. This is exactly the kind of dinner I want tomorrow. It looks amazing. Pinned!!!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thank you so much Kathy!! 😀
Sues
August 21, 2014This is a crazy beautiful plate and I want all of it!!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thank you so much Sues!! 🙂
Monet
August 21, 2014All 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thank you so much Monet! 🙂
GiGi Eats
August 21, 2014KABOB!!! 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Aww.. dont be angry! You can have it tomorrow. . Try harder to convince your dad. . 🙂
Anna Johnston
August 21, 2014I 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. 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Saffron is one amazing ingredien and my fav. . Love how aromatic it is. .. glad you like it Anna!! 🙂
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle
August 21, 2014Completely my kind of dish! I could eat this way every day! Thanks for another great recipe. : )
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Glad you liked it Crystal!! Thanks! 😀
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom
August 21, 2014oh 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014I am so glad you liked it.. Thanks Alice!!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
August 21, 2014Wow, 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 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thank you so much Kelly!! 😀
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
August 21, 2014I love the addition of saffron to this.
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Saffron gives an amazing flavour and aroma to this dish. . Glad you liked it!! Thanks a lot Dannii!! 🙂
Annie @Maebells
August 21, 2014This is super impressive!!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
August 21, 2014Thanks Annie!! 🙂
Rachael | Spache the Spatula
August 21, 2014This looks so delicious! And I’m a firm believer that a fried egg can make anything approximately 10x better than it already is 😛
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 2, 2014Oh yes!! Fried egg makes anything better.. 🙂 Thanks Rachael..
Thalia @ butter and brioche
August 22, 2014these kebabs look delicious arpita. can’t remember the last time i made my own kebabs, definitely inspired to recreate the recipe!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thank you Thalia! ! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen
August 22, 2014WOW 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Oh how wish you stayed closer.. i would have loved to make this for you. . Glad you like it Kristi! 🙂
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
August 22, 2014The 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thank you Michelle! Glad you like it! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
August 22, 2014I’m glad I already ate dinner or I’d be pawing at the screen in hunger and lust! 😛
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Haha! Glad you like it Lorraine! 🙂
Emma @ Bake Then Eat
August 22, 2014I love all this Persian food you are sharing with us, it looks and sounds so fragrant and certainly colourful 😀
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thanks for stopping by Emma!! 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven
August 22, 2014Wow, your dishes never cease to amaze me! This is such a gorgeous dinner, Arpita! Love those kebabs and that fried egg looks perfect!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thank you so much Sarah!! You are a sweetheart. . Glad you like it! ! 🙂
marcie
August 22, 2014Arpita, this dish is beyond amazing — everything about it! It was delicious already, then you went and added a fried egg…oh my!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thankyou Marcie! ! Glad you like it! 🙂
Jessica @ Jessica in the Kitchen
August 22, 2014This sound fabulous…I love all the component! Put a fried egg on anything and I’m happy!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thanks Jessica! ! Glad you liked it! 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal
August 22, 2014Holy yum, Arpita! This looks like heaven! I love that you serve it alongside a fried egg–brilliant 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thankyou Amy! Glad you like it! 🙂
Helen @ Scrummy Lane
August 23, 2014I 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014I know!! the longer you marinade, the meat becomes more tastier, juicier and tender.. thanks Helen! Glad you like it!!
katie
August 23, 2014chicken and eggs OMG love this! Total protein power meal, pinning!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thanks a lot Katie!! 🙂
Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking
August 23, 2014This 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!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thank you!! Glad you liked it Lindsey! 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen
August 24, 2014What a fabulous looking meal! The kabobs look so good. Love your pictures!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thank you Christin!!
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover}
August 24, 2014What 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 😀
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thank you!! Please do try and let me know how you get on!! 🙂
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext
August 25, 2014This looks delicious! I haven’t tried much Persian food before, but it sounds amazingly good!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thanks Jess!!
Andi @ The Weary Chef
August 25, 2014This looks so amazing! I don’t know what I’m more excited about, the kebabs or the fried egg on the rice.
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Everything on this plate was super yummy.. Glad you like it Andi!!
milkteaxx
August 26, 2014a lovely looking recipe, the fried egg takes it to a whole new level!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Thanks!! 🙂
Joanne
August 26, 2014I love how there is so much variety on this plate! You get a few bites of everything in each forkful.
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 3, 2014Oh yes!! A plate full of deliciousness.. 😀 Thanks Joanne!!
Tash
August 27, 2014Wow this looks like such a yummy feast!!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 1, 2014Thanks a lot Tash! 🙂
shelley @ Bacon Egg & Cheese{cake}
August 28, 2014YUM!!! 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.
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 1, 2014Me too.. 😀 isn’t it amazing.. Please do try and let me know how you get on!! 😀
Bong Appetite
August 30, 2014such a yummy treat
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 1, 2014Thanks Sohini!! 🙂
Kathleen R.
September 4, 2014I’m not even hungry right now but my mouth is watering looking at your pictures! YUM!!!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong
September 4, 2014Thanks Kathleen!! 🙂