Indulge in the exquisite taste of Iran's Chelo Kebab, a culinary masterpiece featuring succulent grilled meat, traditionally lamb or chicken, meticulously marinated and cooked to perfection. Served alongside fragrant saffron-infused rice, each bite is a symphony of savory richness and aromatic delight, transporting your senses to the vibrant streets of Iran. Experience the epitome of Persian gastronomy with this iconic dish, where tender meat meets fragrant rice in a harmonious fusion of flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Kebab:

  - 1 lb (450g) lamb or chicken, cut into cubes

  - 2 tablespoons yogurt

  - 2 tablespoons olive oil

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

  - 1 teaspoon paprika

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)

For the Saffron Rice:

  - 2 cups long-grain basmati rice

  - 3 cups water

  - 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

  - 2 tablespoons boiling water

  - 2 tablespoons butter or ghee

  - Salt to taste

Instructions:

1- Marinate the Meat:

  - In a bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  - Add the cubed meat to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best flavor.

2- Prepare the Saffron Rice:

  - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

  - In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

  - In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to taste.

  - Add the drained rice to the boiling water and cook until it's about 70-80% cooked, usually around 7-8 minutes. It should still have a slight bite to it.

  - Drain the rice and set aside.

  - In the same pot, melt butter or ghee over low heat. Add the saffron water and mix well.

  - Gently spoon the partially cooked rice into the pot, forming a pyramid shape. Cover with a lid and let it steam over low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

3- Grill the Kebabs:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

  - Thread the marinated meat onto skewers.

  - Grill the kebabs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.

4- Serve:

  - Serve the grilled kebabs hot with the saffron rice on the side.

  - Garnish with additional saffron threads or chopped fresh herbs if desired.

  - Enjoy the delightful flavors of Iran's Chelo Kebab with saffron rice!

Nutritional Values :

1 lb (450g) Lamb or Chicken (Cut into Cubes) (Per 100g):

 - Calories: 250-300 (lamb), 165 (chicken)

 - Fat: 20g (lamb), 3.6g (chicken)

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 20-25g (lamb), 31g (chicken)

Benefits: Rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 (lamb) or B6 and niacin (chicken).

2 Tablespoons Yogurt (Per 30g):

 - Calories: 20-30

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits: Contains probiotics for digestive health, calcium for bone health, and protein. Low in fat if using low-fat yogurt.

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (Per 28g):

 - Calories: 240

 - Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Provides monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and may help reduce inflammation.

2 Cloves Garlic (Minced) (Per 6g):

 - Calories: 9

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0.4g

Benefits: Contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Supports immune function.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin (Per 1g):

 - Calories: 8

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.4g

Benefits: Provides antioxidants, aids digestion, and enhances flavor. May help with metabolic health.

1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric (Per 5g):

 - Calories: 15

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Protein: 0.5g

Benefits: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. May support joint and digestive health.

1 Teaspoon Paprika (Per 2g):

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0.3g

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin A. Adds color and flavor to dishes.

Salt (To Taste):

 - Nutritional Value: Minimal calories and negligible fat, carbohydrates, and protein. 

Benefits: Enhances flavor; monitor sodium intake for health.

Pepper (To Taste):

 - Nutritional Value: Minimal calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein. 

Benefits: Contains piperine, which may improve nutrient absorption and has antioxidant properties.

Skewers (Wooden):

 - Nutritional Value: None 

Benefits: Used for grilling or broiling meat; soak in water to prevent burning.

For the Saffron Rice:

2 Cups Long-Grain Basmati Rice (Per 100g):

 - Calories: 130

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 28g

 - Protein: 2.5g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates, and is low in fat. Basmati rice is aromatic and has a lower glycemic index compared to some other types of rice.

3 Cups Water (Per 240ml):

 - Calories: 0

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 Benefits: Essential for hydration and cooking rice.

1/4 Teaspoon Saffron Threads (Per 0.5g):

 - Calories: 2

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

 - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits: Adds a unique flavor and vibrant color; contains antioxidants and may have mood-enhancing properties.

2 Tablespoons Boiling Water (Used to Steep Saffron) (Per 30ml):

 - Calories: 0

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Used to extract flavor and color from saffron.

2 Tablespoons Butter or Ghee (Per 28g):

 - Calories: 200

 - Fat: 22g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Provides flavor and richness. Ghee is a clarified butter with a higher smoke point and may be easier to digest for some individuals.

Salt (To Taste):

 - Nutritional Value: Minimal calories and negligible fat, carbohydrates, and protein. 

Benefits: Enhances flavor; monitor sodium intake for health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes. Additionally, the nutritional values for the marinade may vary depending on the amount of marinade absorbed by the meat.