Joojeh Kebab

Joojeh kebab is chicken marinated in saffron, lemon juice and onion, then grilled until golden and succulent.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 8h 20m
Cook: 20 min
Total: 8 hours 40 minutes
Vegetarian
❌
Nuts
❌
Serves
6 people
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 4cm pieces
  • 2 large onions, finely grated
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp full-fat plain yoghurt
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp saffron threads, ground and steeped in 3 tbsp hot water
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • To serve:
  • 6 tomatoes, for grilling
  • 30g butter, melted
  • Chelo (Persian steamed rice)

Method

  1. Squeeze the grated onion in a tea towel over a large bowl to collect the juice; discard the pulp.

  2. Whisk the onion juice with the lemon juice, yoghurt, olive oil, saffron water, salt, pepper and turmeric. Add the chicken and mix well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.

  3. Thread the chicken onto skewers, pressing the pieces together closely.

  4. Grill over medium-hot coals or under a hot grill for 8-10 minutes per side, turning once, until golden and cooked through with no pink remaining. Grill the tomatoes alongside.

  5. Brush with melted butter and rest for 3 minutes. Serve with chelo and the grilled tomatoes.