Middle Eastern > Persian

Nargesi Kebab with Chickpeas and Feta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, chickpeas, feta cheese, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the egg and bread crumbs to the mixture and mix well.
3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into oval kebabs.
4. Thread the kebabs onto skewers and brush them with olive oil.
5. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Grill the kebabs for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan should be preheated to medium-high heat.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 390
Total fat: 23g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Chopped spinach or kale can be used instead of parsley and cilantro.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers to the kebab mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve the kebabs with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.
- Make the kebabs into smaller meatballs and serve them as an appetizer.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the kebabs are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- If using a grill pan, make sure to heat it up before adding the kebabs to prevent them from sticking.

Storage instructions:
Leftover kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the kebabs, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the kebabs on a platter with a side of salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Garnishes:
Garnish the kebabs with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Pairings:
Serve the kebabs with a side of rice pilaf or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Grilled pita bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kebabs are falling apart on the grill, try adding more bread crumbs to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together.
- If the kebabs are dry, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture before shaping them into kebabs.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the kebabs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that they are safe to eat.
- Always wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Food history:
Nargesi Kebab is a traditional Persian dish that is typically made with ground beef, spinach, and eggs. This version of the dish adds chickpeas and feta cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.

Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of smokiness from the grill. The chickpeas add a nutty flavor and a creamy texture, while the feta cheese adds a tangy and salty note.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the kebabs with a side of salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal. They can also be served as an appetizer or party food.

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Region: Iranian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Spicy, Creamy, Nutty