Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Recipe: Saffron & Lemon Chicken Joojeh Kebabs

This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

INGREDIENTS

Four onions, cut in half and thinly sliced into half moons
Juice of five lemons
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground turmeric 400g (14oz) Greek yogurt 3 tbsp crushed sea salt
A generous pinch of saffron threads
3 tbsp boiling water
Six boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 5cm (2in) pieces

 

METHOD:

1. Put the onions, lemon juice, olive oil, turmeric, yogurt and sea salt into a large mixing bowl and mix well. Using a pestle and mortar, grind the saffron to a powder, then pour over the boiling water and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Add the chicken to the mixing bowl. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken pieces in the yogurt, then add the saffron water to the bowl and mix thoroughly.

3. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of an hour or preferably overnight. Once the chicken has been marinated, preheat the oven or grill to the highest setting possible. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper.

4. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon. Lay out all the pieces of chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake or grill for 18 to 20 minutes maximum, or until the pieces have slightly charred edges but remain beautifully moist on the insides. Serve with flour tortilla wraps or basmati rice with a little salad and some yogurt.

More from Food and Drink

  • Recipe: Chocolate, Banana & Pecan Cookies

    These scrumptious fudgy cookies are a decadent treat for the whole family – delicious after a brisk autumn walk with a warming cup of cocoa

  • Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pies

    These warming and hearty fillers have succulent chicken, chestnut mushrooms and artichokes in a delicious creamy sauce flavoured with mustard – topped off with puff pastry. Tasty!

  • Recipe: Hearty Beef & Pumpkin Stew

    This is the perfect, homely dinner to look forward to as the autumn nights draw in. Adele Trathan explains how to make this delicious casserole that is baked and served straight from the pumpkin

  • Recipe: William Shatner’s Cappuccino Muffins!

    Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...

  • Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests.

  • Recipe: Raspberry Blancmange

    Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

  • South Carolina BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

  • Recipe: Local Lemon and Thyme Sea Bass

    This delicious recipe, courtesy of JBs Cowes, makes the perfect summer dish served with new potatoes.

  • Recipe: Sizzling Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

    The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

  • Recipe: Olive Oil, Pistachio & Lemon Cake

    This simple but delicious cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals

  • Recipe: Salted Caramel Praline Brownie

    Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.

  • Mary Berry's Mediterranean All-in-One Chicken

    This is a great way to feed the family as the chicken and veg are all cooked in one very large tray in the oven. It takes only minutes to put everything together then it sits in the oven for under an hour with no fussy finishing off to do and only one pan to wash up.

  • Recipe: Simple Fish Curry

    Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again

  • Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Buttercups

    The dreamy combination of chocolate and peanut butter is indulgent and decadent so the perfect treat for Easter. These little beauties contain only a few ingredients (with a vegan option) and are quick and super easy to make

  • Recipe: Prune and Orange Hot Cross Buns

    As a master baker and judge of ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, Peter Sidwell knows a thing or two about hot cross buns, as this fragrant and delicious recipe testifies.

  • Elvis Pancakes: With Bacon, Bananas & Peanut Butter

    Named after the King of Rock, Elvis Presley – as they contain his favourite ingredients of bacon, bananas and peanut butter – these pancakes are packed with protein and nutrients. They’re also very easy to make.

  • Five Pancake Toppings You Need To Try For Pancake Day

    Elevate your pancake game with these five irresistible toppings that will add a burst of flavour and excitement to your pancake day...

  • Recipe: Choux Hearts with Berries

    Celebrity MasterChef contestant Lisa Faulkner knows full well that food is the language of love. So, what better way to woo your beloved on Valentine’s Day than with these stunning choux hearts?

  • Recipe: Truffled Macaroni & Smoked Haddock Bake

    Want something that combines supreme comfort with a little decadence? Well look no further than this divine truffled macaroni dish with an extra boost from smoked haddock

  • Recipe: Nigel Slater's Lamb Hotpot

    We’re getting to that time of the year when rustic food comes packed with extra appeal.

Get Social