🍽️Grilled Meat

Spiral Bakhtiari Kebab (Halzooni Kabab)

Name: Spiral Bakhtiari Kebab (Halzooni Kabab)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Grilled Meat
Ingredients: 5 chicken fillets; 5 beef or lamb fillets; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon saffron, bloomed in warm water; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon yogurt (for beef or lamb fillets only); Skewers (wooden or metal)

"Experience a masterpiece of Persian grilling where succulent saffron-infused spirals of chicken and beef create a mesmerizing dance of flavor and elegance."

Prep:25 min

Cook:45 min

LevelMedium

Analyzing...

● Ingredients

5 chicken fillets
5 beef or lamb fillets
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon saffron, bloomed in warm water
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon yogurt (for beef or lamb fillets only)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

🌱 Gluten-Free🌱 High-Protein🌱 Low-Carb🌱 Keto-Friendly🌱 Nut-Free⚡ Medium

❤️Health82%

😋Taste96%

🥳Joy94%

👨‍🍳Difficulty65/100

📜 The Story

The Bakhtiari kebab originates from the nomadic Bakhtiari tribes of southwestern Iran, traditionally alternating lamb and chicken to represent the harmony of their livestock. The 'Halzooni' or spiral variation is a sophisticated culinary evolution that transforms these rustic ingredients into a visually stunning display of Persian hospitality.

🧬 Flavor DNA

🍋Sour

3/10

🧂Salty

5/10

🌶️Spicy

2/10

🍯Sweet

1/10

🍄umami

9/10

☕Bitter

1/10

✨ Sensory Profile

"The dish presents a striking visual of golden saffron and deep mahogany spirals, releasing an intoxicating aroma of floral saffron and caramelized meat. Each bite offers a succulent, tender texture with a subtle smoky char that gives way to the rich, earthy depth of the marinated fillets."

Chef's Mastery

💡

The Secret

To achieve perfect spirals, slice the meat into very thin, long strips and lightly pound them with a meat mallet to ensure they are uniform in thickness before rolling.

⚠️

Avoid This

Rolling the spirals too tightly or using thick cuts, which prevents the heat from penetrating the center of the kebab, resulting in an unevenly cooked interior.

❄️

Storage

Cooked kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a covered pan over low heat with a teaspoon of butter to maintain moisture.

Instructions

Place the chicken fillets in a bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, sliced onion, bloomed saffron, and half of the oil. Gently massage to coat evenly.

In a separate bowl, season the beef or lamb fillets with salt, black pepper, onion, remaining oil, and bloomed saffron. Add the yogurt and mix well to tenderize the meat and enhance its color.

Cover both bowls and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Remove the fillets from the marinade. Roll each fillet lengthwise into a neat spiral shape.

Thread the spiraled fillets onto skewers, alternating between chicken and beef or lamb for even cooking and an attractive presentation.

Grill over direct medium heat, turning gently, until the kebabs are cooked through, evenly golden, and lightly charred on the outside.

If a grill is unavailable, cook the skewers in a lightly oiled pan over low heat or bake in the oven until fully cooked.

Serve hot, ideally with grilled tomatoes and fresh lemon slices.