Kabab Tabei, or pan-fried kebab

Kabab Tabei, also referred to as pan-fried kebab, is an easy-to-make variation of traditional Persian kebab that doesn’t need any grilling and is thus perfect for those who love the rich and savory flavors of Persian food but can’t make it to their grills. The dish captures the true essence of kebabs by having a crispy outer layer while the inside remains juicy, tender and soft-textured. Kabab Tabei is ideal for busy weeknights when you are craving homemade comfort food that does not take forever to prepare.

Simplicity in preparation is one of the chief characteristics of Kabab Tabei. Unlike grilled kebabs that rely on charcoal or outside equipment, Kabab Tabei gets cooked on your stovetop. The ground meat which could be either lamb or beef mixed with finely grated onions, salt, pepper and saffron is used instead. After thoroughly mixing these ingredients together, ground meat is spread out evenly in a frying pan and left there until juices evaporate leaving behind rich brown crusty exterior. This delicious cooking provides all tender juiciness present in traditional kebabs plus crispiness as an advantage.

This dish is really versatile; it can go well with a number of accompaniments such as aromatic Persian rice (Chelo) or even hot bread (Lavash or Sangak). Furthermore, roasted tomatoes serve as a tangy-sweet counterpoint to the beef’s richness which is a common side for many Persian kebab recipes. For an indulgent touch, some butter can be added to the cooking process for that extra flavor and golden crust on top.

Saffron is a spice that is greatly valued in Persian cuisine and plays an important role in Kabab Tabei. Although optional, adding saffron gives this dish its unmatched aroma and color. When mixed with black pepper and salt, it results in kebabs that are comforting and delicious due to its multifaceted taste. When served during parties or just during family dinners, the taste of Kabab Tabei stands out thanks to the use of these spices.

Kabab Tabei is really beautiful not only because of the way it tastes but also because it is easy to make by any average housewife. There are no special devices required for its making and also the ingredients are quite common in grocery shops. Even if you know nothing about Persian food, this dish will be quite familiar to you. Even on those hectic weekdays when you don’t have time to prepare meals, you can still prepare an appealing gourmet meal after spending just a couple of minutes preparing it.

To prepare the recipe, you will start by grating finely an onion and then squeezing out any excess water from it. The onion is then mixed with ground beef or lamb, saffron water, salt and pepper. After this step, let the mixture sit for some time so that the flavors could be blended better. In an oiled pan spread the meat mixture evenly over it as much as possible, cook on medium heat until all liquid evaporates leaving golden brown kebabs. Then carefully turn them over and place sliced tomatoes around them before allowing enough time to both tomatoes soften and kebabs cook completely.

Kabab Tabei served with either rice or fresh salad will certainly win your heart. It’s an ideal combination of convenience and savour; you get a feeling of authentic Persian cooking within seconds of making it at home.

Original post: Kabab Tabei Recipe