'Chelow kabab' () is a
national dish of
Iran. The meal is simple, consisting of steamed,
saffroned basmati or Persian
rice (''chelow'') and
kabab, of which there are several distinct
Persian varieties. This dish is served everywhere throughout Iran today, but traditionally was most closely associated with the northern part of the country.
It is served with the basic Iranian meal
accompaniments, in addition to grilled tomatoes on the side of the rice, and butter on top of the rice. It is an old northern tradition (probably originating in
Tehran) that a raw egg yolk should be placed on top of the rice as well, though this is strictly optional, and most restaurants will not serve the rice this way unless it is specifically requested. ''Somogh'' (powdered
sumac) is also made available, and if desired, only a dash should be sprinkled upon the rice.
In the old
bazaar tradition, the rice (which is covered with a tin lid) and accompaniments are served first, immediately followed by the ''kababs'', which are brought to the table by the waiter, who holds several skewers in his left hand, and a piece of flat bread (typically ''nan-e lavash'') in his right. A skewer is placed directly on the rice and while holding the kabab down on the rice with the bread, the skewer is quickly pulled out. With the two most common kababs, ''
barg'' and ''
koobideh'', two skewers are always served. In general, bazaar kabab restaurants only serve these two varieties, though there are exceptions.
The traditional beverage of choice to accompany ''chelow kabab'' is ''doogh'', a Persian sour
yogurt drink, flavored with salt and mint, and sometimes made with carbonated mineral water.
Varieties
★
Kabab Barg (Lamb Fillet Kebab)
★
Kabab Koobideh or Kubideh (Minced Meat Kebab)
★ Sheesh Kabab- Shishlik or Shish Kebab
★ Joojeh Kabab (Grilled Chicken Kebab)
★ Tas Kabab (Grilled Meat & Stew)
★ Kabab Chenjeh (Lamb Chop Kebab)
★ Mahi Kabab (Grilled Lemon Zest Fish)
See also
★
Nan-e kabab
★
Cuisine of Iran
★
Kabab_Koobideh
★
Kabab Barg
★
Polow
External links
★
Chelo Kabab
★
History of Chelo Kabab
★
Chelow Kababs Photos★
★
Different Persian Kababs Recipes