Chelo Kabab

Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.

                                                                                                                                   -Rumi

                   

Chelo Kabab, the national dish of Iran. Legend has it that by the order of Naser al-Din Shah (King of Iran from 1848-1896) the first chelo kabab was created. One can't help but feel very nostalgic when it comes to kabab, as it is a family bonding meal.

Every family has its own version, this one is my mothers recipe.


Recipe:

1 kilo lamb shoulder or rib with fat
3 large onions
Salt
Pepper
1 teaspoon of dried mint
Pinch of turmeric
Pinch of saffron


Method:

Mince the meat twice adding the onions. Put the meat on a tray adding all the spices and mix well with your hand for 10 minutes. Take a small amount of mixture (a bit bigger than a tennis ball) , and place on the side of the skewer and shape into a cigar shape. Grill on hot coal for 4-6 minutes on each side. Serve with white rice, grilled tomatoes, sumac and bread.