Joojeh Kabab Food

JOOJEH KABOB (YOGURT SAFFRON CHICKEN KEBABS) RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Using a smooth mortar and pestle , grind the saffron threads to a fine powder.
• Stir the saffron powder and water together in a small bowl. Set aside to bloom, about 5 minutes.
• Combine the chicken and 4 tablespoons of the saffron water in a large bowl. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour. The chicken will infuse with saffron's bright yellow-orange color, aroma, and flavor. Reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons of saffron water for basting.
• Combine the yogurt, onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
• Transfer the yogurt mixture to the bowl with the chicken. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
• Gather the ingredients. Prepare a medium (350 F to 375 F) gas or charcoal grill fire.
• Push the chicken pieces onto metal or previously soaked wooden skewers . The number of pieces on each skewer will depend on the length of your skewer. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded on the skewer while also leaving some space at either end of the skewer.
• Place the skewers on a large platter or a baking sheet. Gently tap the skewers against the tray to shake off any excess marinade. Discard the remaining marinade to avoid any risk of food contamination.
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter , the remaining 2 tablespoons of saffron water, and the lime juice.
• Grill the kebabs, basting frequently, until charred in places and the internal temperature reaches 165 F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Grilling time will vary slightly depending on the temperature and strength of your grill. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

JOOJEH KABOB (PERSIAN STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let chicken sit in marinade for up to one day before grilling, preferably on a charcoal grill.
• Grill until juices from chicken run clear when chicken is pierced with knife.

JOOJEH KABAB BA HOLU (SAFFRON CHICKEN KABABS WITH PEACHES)

Steps:

• Using a mortar and pestle (or small bowl and the handle end of a wooden spoon), grind the saffron with the sugar to a fine powder (about 1/4 teaspoon). Transfer to a large bowl.
• Bring 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a kettle, saucepan or using the microwave, then let stand for 2 minutes to allow the water temperature to drop slightly. Add to the ground saffron powder, gently stir, cover and steep for 5 minutes.
• To the saffron water, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper; carefully stir to mix. Add the chicken and onion to the marinade and combine until well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours, turning the chicken pieces around in the marinade every once in a while.
• Prepare a charcoal grill until the coals are ashed over and still hot, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Skewer the tomatoes and peaches separately and set aside. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and skewer them. It's best to use flat, 1/2-inch-wide skewers or double skewers so the chicken pieces stay put when turned.
• Transfer the onion and any remaining marinade to a medium skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and the skillet is nearly dry, 15 to 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, grill the chicken, basting with the butter and turning every 2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes on a charcoal grill and 15 to 18 minutes on a gas grill.
• Grill the tomatoes and peaches alongside the chicken: Grill the tomatoes, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until softened and slightly blistered, 6 to 8 minutes on charcoal and about 10 minutes on a gas grill. Grill the peaches, turning every 2 to 3 minutes, until softened but not falling apart, about 10 minutes.
• If using lavash bread, drape on a serving platter. Place the chicken, tomatoes and peaches on the bread. (As the kababs sit, the bread soaks up the wonderful juices and becomes a highly sought-after bite.) Serve with the cooked onions, lime wedges for squeezing and sumac for sprinkling.