Kabab Tabei Recipe

Kabab Tabei is a delightful and simple dish that brings the flavors of Iranian cuisine right into your kitchen. This dish is perfect for those who want a taste of traditional kebabs without needing a grill. Using everyday ingredients like minced meat, onions, and tomatoes, you can easily recreate this savory dish at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, Kabab Tabei promises a delicious and satisfying meal.

Kabab Tabei Recipe

Main Ingredients

• Minced lamb or beef: 500g
• Medium onion: 1
• Tomatoes: 4
• Garlic cloves: 2

Spices and Seasonings

• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: ½ tsp
• Sumac (optional): ½ tbsp
• Butter: 1 tbsp
• Saffron (optional, for a luxurious touch): ⅛ tsp

Step 1: Prepare the Saffron Infusion

Pour saffron into a small cup and add two tablespoons of boiling water to it. Cover the cup and set it aside, allowing the saffron to infuse and develop its rich aroma and color.

Step 2: Prepare Onion and Garlic

Peel one medium onion and two cloves of garlic. Grate them on a medium grater to achieve a fine consistency.

Step 3: Extract Excess Moisture

Squeeze the grated onion and garlic with your hands over a sink or bowl to remove any excess water. This step ensures that your kebabs will not be too moist and will hold together better during cooking.

Step 4: Mix Kebab Ingredients

In a suitable mixing bowl, combine the grated garlic and onion with 500g of minced meat (lamb or beef), ½ tablespoon of sumac, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly by hand for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Meat Mixture

Once mixed, cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and refrigerate the meat mixture for one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and improves the texture of the kebabs.

Step 6: Prepare the Cooking Pan

After the meat has rested in the refrigerator, take it out and place it into a pan with a lid. Spread the meat evenly across the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Begin Cooking the Kebab

Place the lid on the pan and set it on a stove over medium heat. Let the kebab cook undisturbed for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Add Tomatoes and Saffron

While the kebab cooks, cut 4 tomatoes in half and set them aside. After the initial 10 minutes of cooking, remove the lid and pour the earlier prepared saffron infusion over the kebab. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9: Cover and Cook Further

With the saffron and butter added, slice the kebab lengthwise into strips without fully separating them. Cover the pan again and allow the kebab to cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 10: Flip the Kebab

After 10 minutes, remove the lid and carefully turn over the kebab pieces to cook the other side. At this point, do not replace the lid.

Step 11: Final Cooking Phase

Continue cooking the kebab over medium heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the kebab is fully cooked and slightly browned.

Step 12: Serve Your Kabab Tabei

Once the kebab is ready, serve it hot. Kabab Tabei can be enjoyed with fresh bread or a side of rice, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Recipe Summary

To make Kabab Tabei, start by infusing saffron in boiling water and set aside. Grate onion and garlic, squeeze out excess moisture, and mix with minced meat, sumac, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate the mixture for an hour to enhance the flavors. Spread the meat evenly in a pan with a lid and cook covered on medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the saffron infusion and butter, cut the meat into strips, and continue cooking covered for another 10 minutes. Flip the kebab pieces, cook uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, and serve with bread or rice.