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Iranian Kebab Koobideh (Grilled Ground Meat Kebab)

From: Iran

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Ground beef (80-85% lean)
  • 1 lb Ground lamb (80-85% lean)
  • 1.5 whole Medium yellow onions, grated and squeezed dry
  • 3 whole Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 whole Egg
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp Sumac
  • 0.5 tsp Ground saffron (optional)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, finely minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh mint, finely minced (optional)
  • 0.5 cup Dry bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grate onions using box grater or food processor - do not chop with knife. Squeeze grated onion thoroughly to remove all juice until as dry as possible, or strain through cheesecloth.
  2. Add ground beef and lamb to drained onions along with minced garlic, egg, and all spices. If using parsley, mint, and bread crumbs, add now.
  3. Knead mixture thoroughly for several minutes until it becomes paste-like and sticky, with tacky consistency that holds together without falling apart.
  4. Cover mixture and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before shaping.
  5. Wet fingers with water to prevent sticking. Mold meat mixture onto flat metal skewers, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres well to skewer.
  6. Grill over charcoal or gas until cooked through and charred on outside (about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally).
  7. Serve immediately with grilled tomato halves, onion quarters, and chilies as traditional accompaniments. Traditionally served with tahdig (crispy rice) and raw onions.