SBS Food

www.sbs.com.au/food

Chicken, lemon and saffron kebab (joojeh kabab)

Some versions of this insanely easy-to-make Iranian classic feature yoghurt and ground, dried chilli in the marinade, so add these if you like. Don't skimp on the marinating time - it tenderises the chicken and infuses it with an unforgettably tangy, aromatic flavour.

Chicken, lemon and saffron kebab (joojeh kabab)

Credit: Alan Benson

  • serves

    4

  • prep

    10 minutes

  • cook

    10 minutes

  • difficulty

    Easy

serves

4

people

preparation

10

minutes

cooking

10

minutes

difficulty

Easy

level

Ingredients

  • 800 g skinless chicken thigh fillets
  • 1 onion, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 125 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, for cooking
  • 125 ml (½ cup) lemon juice
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ tsp saffron threads
  • steamed rice, Greek yoghurt, roasted tomatoes, grilled onion and mint leaves, to serve
Marinating time overnight

(You will need to start this recipe one day in advance)

Instructions

Cut the thigh fillets into 3 cm pieces and place them in a non-reactive bowl. Combine the onion and oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and process briefly to combine well. Pour the mixture over the chicken then, using clean hands, mix well to coat chicken evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap then refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, stirring the chicken occasionally to evenly colour it with the saffron.

Drain the chicken well, reserving the marinade. Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto 8 metal skewers. Heat a chargrill pan or barbecue to medium-high and brush with the oil. Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, turning often, seasoning well and brushing with a little of the reserved marinade. The chicken should be a little charred and cooked through. 

Serve with the rice, yoghurt, tomato, onion and mint.

Photography by Alan Benson. Styling by Sarah O'Brien. Food preparation by Nick Banbury.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.


Share

SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Food
Published 11 March 2016 12:01pm
By Leanne Kitchen
Source: SBS



Share this with family and friends