Kabab Koobideh is a delicious and iconic Persian dish renowned for its flavorful ground meat skewers. This dish is a true masterpiece of Persian cuisine, loved for its simplicity, yet unmatched taste. Kabab Koobideh consists of seasoned ground meat, usually a combination of lamb and beef, although either can be used individually. The mixture is typically seasoned with spices and grated onions, then molded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The result is tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful kebabs that are enjoyed by people around the world. Served with fragrant saffron-infused rice and grilled tomatoes, Kabab Koobideh is a delightful culinary experience that offers a taste of the Middle East.

Recipe for Kabab Koobideh:

Ingredients:

- 500g ground lamb or beef (a mix of both can also be used)

- 1 medium onion, grated

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground sumac (optional)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- A pinch of saffron threads (optional, for saffron water)

- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef.

  - Grate the onion and squeeze out excess moisture. Add the grated onion to the meat.

  - Season the mixture with turmeric, ground sumac (if using), salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

2. Mix and Marinate:

  - Use your hands to thoroughly mix the meat and spices. Knead the mixture for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and well combined.

  - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Prepare the Saffron Water (Optional):

  - If using saffron, steep a pinch of saffron threads in a small amount of hot water and set it aside. This will be used for brushing the kebabs during grilling.

4. Mold the Kebabs:

  - After marinating, take a portion of the meat mixture and mold it onto a wooden skewer. Shape it into a long, cylindrical form, pressing the meat firmly onto the skewer. Repeat this process for all the skewers.

5. Grill the Kebabs:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  - Place the kebabs on the grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a beautiful charred exterior.

6. Brush with Saffron Water (Optional):

  - During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the kebabs with the saffron water to add extra flavor and a lovely golden color.

7. Serve:

  - Serve the Kabab Koobideh hot off the grill with saffron-infused rice, flatbread, grilled tomatoes, and some fresh herbs. You can also enjoy it with yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added creaminess.

Nutrition Value

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients. Please note that these values can vary depending on factors like the specific type and brand of ingredients used:

1. 500g Ground Lamb or Beef (or a Mix):

  - Calories: 1,200-1,400 kcal

  - Protein: 80-100g

  - Total Fat: 90-110g

  - Saturated Fat: 35-45g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Sodium: 100-150mg (varies with added salt)

2. 1 Medium Onion (Grated):

  - Calories: 40-50 kcal

  - Protein: 1-2g

  - Total Fat: 0-1g

  - Carbohydrates: 9-11g

  - Fiber: 2-3g

  - Sugars: 4-6g

  - Sodium: 0-5mg

3. 1 Teaspoon Turmeric:

  - Calories: 8-9 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2-0.3g

  - Total Fat: 0.2-0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.7-1.8g

  - Fiber: 0.3-0.4g

  - Sugars: 0.2-0.3g

  - Sodium: 0-1mg

4. 1 Teaspoon Ground Sumac (optional):

  - Calories: 6-7 kcal

  - Protein: 0.2-0.3g

  - Total Fat: 0.2-0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4-1.6g

  - Fiber: 0.9-1.1g

  - Sugars: 0.2-0.3g

  - Sodium: 0-1mg

5. Salt and Black Pepper (to taste):

  - Nutritional values for salt and pepper can vary based on the quantity used, but they typically contribute negligible calories and macronutrients.

6. A Pinch of Saffron Threads (optional, for Saffron Water):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Total Fat: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Fiber: Negligible

  - Sugars: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

7. Wooden Skewers (Soaked in Water for 30 Minutes):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Total Fat: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Fiber: Negligible

  - Sugars: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

Please keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the type and brand of ingredients used, as well as variations in preparation. Additionally, the values for salt and black pepper are minimal and are primarily for flavoring, so they have a negligible impact on the overall nutritional content of the dish.

Kabab Koobideh is a delightful dish that's perfect for gatherings or a special family meal. Its rich flavors and enticing aroma make it a standout in Persian cuisine, and it's sure to be a favorite among your friends and family. Enjoy!