World Flavors Cookbook

Kabab Koobideh

Iran's most famous street kebab, made from minced lamb or beef mixed with grated onions and grilled on wide flat skewers until charred and juicy.

Cuisine: Iran

Ingredients

• 500g ground lamb (20% fat)
• 2 large onions, grated and drained
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sumac
• 1/4 tsp baking soda (for tenderness)
• Wide metal skewers
• Grilled tomatoes and fresh herbs for serving

Instructions

1. Mix meat with grated onion, salt, pepper, and sumac.
2. Knead the mixture for 10 minutes until it becomes tacky and sticky.
3. Add a pinch of baking soda and knead briefly.
4. Mold the meat onto wide flat skewers, pressing and spreading it evenly.
5. Grill over hot charcoal, turning every 2-3 minutes until evenly browned.
6. Serve immediately with grilled tomatoes, raw onion, and warm lavash bread.