May 22, 2023

Discovering Chelo Kebab: The Classic Persian Dish

Name: Discovering Chelo Kebab: The Classic Persian Dish
Ingredients: 500 g. ground lamb; ½ onion, grated, 50 g.; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; ½ tsp turmeric powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained, 400 g.; 4 cups water, 1 l.; ¼ cup butter or ghee; 1 tsp salt; ¼ tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp hot water; 4 eggs; 2 large tomatoes, sliced in half; 1 large red onion, cut into thick rounds; 2 large green bell peppers, cut into thick strips; Olive oil, for drizzling; Salt and pepper, to taste

Chelo Kebab is a traditional Persian dish that has gained immense popularity around the world for its unique blend of flavors and textures. The name "Chelo" refers to the fluffy and fragrant Persian rice that serves as the base for the dish, while "Kebab" stands for the succulent pieces of meat, usually beef or lamb, that are marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection. Together, Chelo Kebab represents the essence of Persian cuisine, showcasing the art of rice-making and the mastery of meat preparation.

How to prepare and marinate the lamb for Chelo Kebab

To make Chelo Kebab, the lamb should be finely ground and then mixed with a variety of spices and seasonings. The meat is typically marinated for several hours or overnight to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Common spices used in the marinade include saffron, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and garlic. Some recipes may also call for fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Once marinated, the lamb is formed into oblong-shaped patties and skewered. The patties are then grilled over hot coals or an open flame until they are cooked to perfection. The result is a deliciously savory and juicy kebab with a distinct smoky flavor.

In addition, mincing the lamb twice is a crucial step in making the perfect Chelo Kebab. The first grind makes the meat coarse, and the second one gives it a fine texture. This technique ensures that the kebab will be tender, juicy, and hold together well when cooked. It also helps to incorporate the seasoning evenly into the meat.

Accompaniments for Chelo Kebab: Perfectly Complementing the Tender Meat

Chelo kebab is served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some popular options that perfectly complement the tender, flavorful meat:

Fried eggs: Served sunny-side up or over easy, fried eggs add a rich and creamy element to the dish.
Roasted tomatoes: The sweetness and acidity of roasted tomatoes cut through the richness of the meat and add a burst of flavor.
Grilled green peppers: The charred, slightly bitter flavor of grilled green peppers balances out the richness of the meat.
Roasted red onions: The natural sweetness of roasted red onions is a perfect match for the savory flavors of the kebab.

These accompaniments not only enhance the flavor of the kebab but also add a beautiful pop of color to the plate.

Saffron and chelo kebab

The chelo kebab is traditionally seasoned with saffron, a highly valued spice known for its bright yellow color and distinctive aroma. Saffron is an essential ingredient in Persian cuisine and is used to flavor many dishes, including rice, stews, and desserts. In addition to saffron, the chelo kebab may also be seasoned with other spices such as sumac, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper, depending on the recipe and the cook's preferences. The bright yellow color of the chelo kebab comes from the saffron used in the seasoning, which adds not only color but also a unique flavor and aroma to the dish.

Discovering Chelo Kebab: The Classic Persian Dish

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Ingredients

For Chelo Kebab:

500 g. ground lamb
½ onion, grated, 50 g.
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Saffron Rice:

2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained, 400 g.
4 cups water, 1 l.
¼ cup butter or ghee
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp hot water

For Sides:

4 eggs
2 large tomatoes, sliced in half
1 large red onion, cut into thick rounds
2 large green bell peppers, cut into thick strips
Olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb, grated onion, parsley, cilantro, turmeric, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Divide the lamb mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each portion into an oblong shape around a skewer.
Brush the kebabs lightly with oil and grill them for about 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking.
While the kebabs are cooking, prepare the saffron rice. In a medium saucepan, add the rice, water, butter, and salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the soaked saffron threads.
As the kebabs and rice are cooking, prepare the sides. In a skillet, fry the eggs to your liking. On a baking sheet, arrange the tomato halves, onion rounds, and pepper strips. Drizzle them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Serve the chelo kebab hot with saffron rice and the roasted vegetables and fried eggs on the side.

Discovering Chelo Kebab: The Classic Persian Dish

Ingredients

For Chelo Kebab:

For Saffron Rice:

For Sides:

Directions

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