Chelo Kabob (Persian Rice with Chicken Kabob)

These kabobs with Persian rice are so simple to make, yet taste simply amazing with both chicken and beef, especially with traditional mast-o-khiar (yogurt dip). The key to its aromatic taste is good quality saffron. I usually fry them in a skillet but feel free to skewer them and grill them if that's what you prefer. Serve the kabobs with the rice and mast-o-khiar.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 469 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric, divided
• ½ teaspoon saffron, divided
• 2 cardamom pods, bruised
• 2 cups long-grain basmati rice
• 4 medium tomatoes, cut lengthwise into quarters

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine chicken, diced onion, black pepper, salt, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon saffron, and cayenne in a bowl. Shape mixture into long, sausage-like kabob shapes, or shape around skewers and put aside in the refrigerator.

Step 2

Put the leftover saffron minus a pinch in 2 tablespoons warm water so that it lets out its color.

Step 3

Bring 3 cups water and cardamom pods to a boil; add rice, reduce heat, and let simmer until tender and water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes, making sure not to overcook or undercook. Drain out any remaining starch water.

Step 4

Place a pot over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter, remaining turmeric, and reserved pinch of saffron; saute a bit then add the rice on top to dry out the excess water. Drizzle the saffron water on top and add 1 tablespoon butter. Cover and let simmer until the rice is fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry kabobs in the hot oil until they are no longer pink in the centers, 5 to 7 minutes, flipping as needed. Place tomatoes and chopped onion on top and cover. Cook until tomatoes soften and release their juices (this helps it from getting too dry), about 5 minutes. Serve with rice.