Lime and Saffron Chicken Kabobs (Joojeh Kabab)
A hint of lime on chicken kabobs is what really makes this dish pop. Served on basmati rice or tucked into warm bread with assorted toppings, it’s a recipe designed to please all palates.
2 lb (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 small onion, grated
1 1/2 cups (350 mL) plain yogurt
3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
Finely grated zest of 1 lime
3 Tbsp (45 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
1 garlic clove, mashed and chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) turmeric
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 tsp (5 mL) saffron threads
Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste
Lime wedges
1/4 cup (60 mL) finely minced fresh cilantro
Cayenne pepper
Basting Sauce
Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon
2 Tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, melted
At least 24 hours ahead, preferably 2 days ahead, cut chicken into 1 in (2.5 cm) chunks.
Combine grated onion, yogurt, oil, lime zest and juice, garlic, turmeric, and salt in bowl. Dissolve saffron threads in 2 Tbsp (30 mL) hot water. Add to yogurt mix and stir to blend. Add pepper and a little more salt to taste.
Add chicken to mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, preferably 2 days to thoroughly tenderize chicken. Stir chicken in marinade several times each day.
Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Thread several pieces of chicken onto metal skewers.
To make basting sauce, combine lemon juice and melted butter in small bowl.
Preheat grill or a grilling pan, if cooking indoors, and brush grate or pan with oil. Place skewers on hot grill and cook, turning frequently, basting with lemon butter sauce.
When chicken is done but still tender, remove and slide chicken pieces onto platter. Squeeze a little extra lime juice over chicken and sprinkle with minced cilantro and a light dusting of cayenne pepper.
Serve on platter of vegetable basmati rice or make a joojeh kabab sandwich by tucking cubes of chicken into warmed bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and dollops of plain yogurt.
Serves 8.
Each serving contains: 253 calories; 33 g protein; 11 g total fat (4 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 5 g total carbohydrates (3 g sugars, 0 g fibre); 391 mg sodium
source: "Persian Cuisine", alive #377, March 2014
Lime and Saffron Chicken Kabobs (Joojeh Kabab)
Directions
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Purple Cabbage and Apple Soup
This vibrant soup is a soul-soothing hug in a bowl. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that promote health and proper brain function. Apple swap Try swapping out the apples in this recipe for pears. Just like the apples, the subtle sweetness of pears helps balance out the earthiness of the cabbage.
Herb and Greens Frittata
Deep green fruits and vegetables are high on the list of health-promoting foods. Green foods have been shown to contain high amounts of antioxidants and nutrients that promote good cardiovascular health and can inhibit certain carcinogens. Serve this frittata alongside a leafy green salad for an unbeatable green culinary experience. Versatile leftovers Any leftover frittata makes a wonderful filling for a sandwich along with other thinly sliced vegetables you have on hand and a smear of hummus.
Caramelized Fennel and Yogurt Dip
This creamy dip will be your go-to for dunking vegetables or for spooning over roast chicken or root vegetables as a sauce. Compounds found in fennel have been shown to stimulate the production of T-cells in our body, which, in turn, may help improve our immune response to infections. If white is right If you would like to stay on the white theme, try serving this dip with an array of white vegetables such as endive leaves, jicama sticks, daikon rounds, steamed nugget potatoes, and cauliflower florets.
Tempeh and Mango Curry
The stars of this delicious curry dish are yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, which are high in a form of carotenoids called xanthophylls. These compounds have more of a yellow pigment as opposed to their orangier cousins, the carotenes. While a powerful antioxidant, xanthophylls are mostly associated with maintaining good eye health. Mix and match This curry is easily adaptable to whichever vegetables you have on hand. Experiment to find your favourite combination.