Joojeh Kabab
Joojeh kabab has earned its place alongside lamb kabab as one of Iran's most beloved grilled dishes, appearing on every menu from elegant Tehran kabab houses to street food stalls. The saffron-and-lemon marinade reflects the influence of prized ingredients in Persian cooking, where even a simple grilled chicken dish gains a distinctive character. Traditionally served over buttered rice with a pat of butter melting on top, or alongside fresh flatbread, joojeh kabab is often the first choice for festive family meals. The grilled tomatoes, almost always present, are not just a garnish but an essential counterpoint of acidity to the chicken's buttery richness.
Marinated in lemon and onion
Chicken pieces rest for hours in a marinade of lemon juice and grated onion, which tenderizes the fibers.
Bloomed saffron, not just sprinkled
Ground saffron threads are steeped in warm water, and the golden liquid is added to the marinade for flavor and color.
Skewered and grilled over open flame
Chicken pieces threaded onto skewers cook quickly over high heat, developing charred spots without drying out.
Charred tomatoes on the side
Whole grilled tomatoes, their skins slightly blistered, are served alongside, adding tartness that balances the chicken's richness.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 1kg chicken breast, cubed
- 2 large onions, grated
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp saffron, bloomed
- 3 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 small tomatoes, whole
- Salt and pepper
- Butter for basting
How to make it
- 1Mix the grated onion, lemon juice, saffron, yogurt and olive oil in a large bowl for the marinade.
- 2Add the chicken pieces and mix well, then refrigerate for at least four hours, ideally overnight.
- 3Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the pieces onto metal skewers without crowding them.
- 4Heat the grill well and place the skewers over medium-high heat.
- 5Turn the skewers every two minutes, occasionally basting with melted butter, for ten to twelve minutes total.
- 6Place the whole tomatoes on the grill for the last five minutes, turning once.
- 7Serve immediately, with the tomatoes alongside and a little reserved marinade drizzled over top.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
