Indulge in the rich flavors of Iran with our Saffron Lemon Joojeh Kabab. Tender pieces of chicken are meticulously marinated in a blend of saffron and zesty lemon juice, infusing every bite with a tantalizing burst of citrusy aroma and delicate saffron undertones. Grilled to perfection, each skewer offers a mouthwatering symphony of flavors, making it an exquisite culinary delight for any occasion. Savor the taste of tradition and the warmth of Iranian hospitality with every savory bite of our Saffron Lemon Joojeh Kabab.

Ingredients:

  - 2 lbs (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

  - 1/4 cup plain yogurt

  - 3 tablespoons olive oil

  - Juice of 2 lemons

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ground saffron threads (dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water)

  - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

  - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  - Skewers, soaked in water if wooden

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dissolved saffron, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.

2- Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

3- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

4- Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

5- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks, basting occasionally with any leftover marinade.

6- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

7- Serve the Joojeh Kabab hot with your choice of sides such as rice, salad, grilled vegetables, or flatbread. Enjoy the succulent flavors of saffron and lemon-infused grilled chicken!

Note: You can also cook the Joojeh Kabab using a grill pan or broil them in the oven if a grill is not available. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Nutritional Values:

2 lbs (about 900g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts:

 - Calories: About 900 kcal

 - Fat: 40g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 140g 

Benefits: High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Thighs provide more fat for flavor and juiciness, while breasts are leaner.

1/4 Cup Plain Yogurt:

 - Calories: About 35 kcal

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 3g 

Benefits: Adds creaminess to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken. Provides probiotics for digestive health.

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil:

 - Calories: About 360 kcal

 - Fat: 40g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds healthy fats and richness. Contains antioxidants that support heart health.

Juice of 2 Lemons:

 - Calories: About 20 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds tangy flavor and vitamin C, which supports immune function.

2 Cloves Garlic (minced):

 - Calories: About 20 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 5g

 - Protein: 1g 

Benefits: Provides flavor and has antimicrobial properties.

1 Teaspoon Ground Saffron Threads (dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water):

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Adds a unique flavor and color. Contains antioxidants that may have mood-boosting properties.

1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric:

 - Calories: About 4 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper:

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor and may aid digestion.

1 Teaspoon Salt (or to taste):

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Skewers (soaked in water if wooden):

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g 

Benefits: Used for grilling the chicken. Soaking prevents burning if wooden.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and variations in portion sizes.