Joojeh Kabob

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

Juicy, flavorful Joojeh Kabob features tender chicken marinated in onion, yogurt, lemon, and saffron, perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor serving with vibrant flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large or 2 medium onions
  • 1/2 pint plain yogurt
  • 1 bottle concentrated lemon juice
  • 1 tube saffron
  • chicken pieces

Instructions

  1. Grate the onions, keeping the juice.
  2. Mix the grated onions with lemon juice and yogurt in a shallow pan.
  3. Ensure the mixture is deep enough to half cover the chicken pieces.
  4. Marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  5. Turn the chicken pieces over halfway through the marinating period.

Tips & Substitutions

For an authentic flavor, use fresh saffron instead of a tube, as it provides a deeper aroma. If you don't have plain yogurt, Greek yogurt works well for marinating too. To enhance the marinade, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of cumin. Be sure to keep the chicken pieces in a single layer in the marinade for even flavor absorption.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Joojeh Kabob with fluffy basmati rice or a refreshing salad for a complete meal. Grilled vegetables and flatbreads also make excellent sides. For a Mediterranean twist, pair it with lemon-herb grilled chicken for a vibrant spread that is sure to impress.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken from drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Joojeh Kabob contains roughly 446 calories, with 13g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

446 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.1g 26% DV
Total Fat 16.3g 21% DV
Carbs 70.1g 25% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 573.9mg 25% DV
Potassium 1210.9mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 7.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 49.2mg 55% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 97.9mg 8% DV
Iron 7.7mg 43% DV
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat for Joojeh Kabob?

Yes, while traditional Joojeh Kabob uses chicken, you can substitute with lamb or beef. Just adjust the marinating time based on the meat's tenderness; beef may need longer marination to enhance the flavor.

What can I do if my chicken is too dry after grilling?

If your chicken turns out dry, you can serve it with a drizzle of yogurt or a lemon-based sauce to add moisture. Additionally, marinating longer next time will help retain juiciness during cooking.

How can I adjust the recipe for a larger group?

To serve more people, simply increase the quantities of chicken and marinade ingredients proportionally. Make sure to use a larger pan for marinating and grill in batches to ensure even cooking. This way, everyone can enjoy delicious Joojeh Kabob!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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