Kabab Hosseini with Saffron Rice

Ingredients

• For the kababs: For the kababs:
• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, minced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water Wooden skewers, soaked in water
• For the saffron rice: For the saffron rice:
• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 3 cups (710ml) water 3 cups (710ml) water
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons of hot water 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons of hot water
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
4. 4.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 5 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the soaked saffron threads along with the water they were soaked in. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Add the drained rice to the pot and gently mix it with the saffron-infused butter. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook the rice over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
8. 8.
   While the rice is cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
9. 9.
   Take the marinated beef mixture out of the refrigerator. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into long, cylindrical kababs around the soaked wooden skewers.
10. 10.
    Grill the kababs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
11. 11.
    Once the kababs are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
12. 12.
    Serve the Kabab Hosseini alongside the saffron rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Saffron — To extract the maximum flavor and color from saffron threads, soak them in hot water for at least 15 minutes before using them in the recipe.
• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps in achieving fluffy and separate grains when cooked.
• Wooden skewers — Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the kabab mixture.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of ground cumin and coriander in the kabab mixture.
• Serve the Kabab Hosseini with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the kababs on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.
• Leftover Kabab Hosseini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Kabab Hosseini on a platter, with the saffron rice arranged around the grilled kababs. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the dish, sprinkle some additional saffron threads on top of the saffron rice before serving. The vibrant yellow color of the saffron will create an eye-catching presentation.