• Joojeh kabab, aka chicken kebabs with lemon and saffron, is a fragrant and flavourful dish inspired by Persian cuisine. The tender lightness of chicken is perfect when lightly spiced and grilled. A delicious lunch dish. 

    Joojeh kabab (chicken kebab with lemon and saffron)

    Serves: 4 - 6
    Cooking Time: 15 mins + 2 hrs to marinate

    Ingredients

    • 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs
    • 2 onions, grated
    • juice of 4 lemons
    • a pinch of saffron
    • 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 50g butter, melted
    • flatbreads or saffron rice, to serve
    • fresh mint leaves, to serve
    • sumac, to serve

    Instructions

    1

    Cut the chicken into cubes and set aside.

    2

    Combine the grated onions, lemon juice, saffron, olive oil and seasoning in a large bowl.

    3

    Add the chicken to the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

    4

    Remove the chicken from the fridge and thread the pieces onto metal or bamboo skewers.

    5

    Heat a griddle pan and grill the kebabs for 6 minutes on each side. Add the melted butter to the reserved marinade and baste the chicken throughout the grilling process.

    6

    Serve the joojeh kabab with flatbreads or saffron rice, fresh mint and sumac.

    Notes

    To drink: Lots of lemony, zesty flavours in this dish calls for a citrusy Chardonnay with some oak for richness.