Mediterranean Diet Koobideh (Persian Ground Meat Kebabs)

Elevate your dinner table with these Mediterranean Diet Koobideh, a healthy twist on traditional Persian ground meat kebabs! This vibrant recipe combines lean ground beef and tender ground lamb with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, creating a dish that's bursting with flavor. Freshly grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley add depth, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a juicy, tender texture. Grilled to perfection, these koobideh kebabs have a delightful charred exterior while remaining moist and flavorful inside. Serve them hot with soft pita or flatbread and a sprinkle of tangy sumac for an authentic Persian touch. With simple prep, protein-packed ingredients, and Mediterranean diet-friendly components, this recipe is perfect for health-conscious foodies looking to explore the bold flavors of Persian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef (preferably lean or extra lean)
• 250 g ground lamb
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 bunch parsley
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 pieces pita bread or flatbread
• 1 tsp sumac (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by peeling and grating the large onion. Place the grated onion in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much juice as possible. You want the onion to be very dry to avoid a runny mixture.

Step 2

Finely chop the garlic cloves and parsley. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Add the ground beef, ground lamb, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mixing bowl with the garlic, parsley, and dry onions.

Step 4

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until well combined. Knead the mixture gently to ensure everything is uniformly distributed.

Step 5

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 6

Preheat your grill (or oven with grill setting) to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F (190°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 7

Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions for medium-sized kebabs. Shape each portion around a skewer, molding it into an even elongated shape, about 1-inch in thickness.

Step 8

Brush the kebabs lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, then grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Turn carefully to prevent breaking.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the koobideh kebabs from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Step 10

Serve the koobideh kebabs warm with pita bread or flatbread. Optionally, sprinkle some sumac over the kebabs for an additional layer of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1283.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2882.7

Total Fat 155.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.9g
Cholesterol 640mg	0%
Sodium 5023.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 14.9g
Protein 218.8g	0%

Vitamin D 10IU	0%
Calcium 356.1mg	0%
Iron 28.8mg	0%
Potassium 3394.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.8%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 22.3%