GRILLED CHICKEN WITH SAFFRON / JOOJEH KEBAB

Grilled Chicken With Saffron / Joojeh Kebab image

Number Of Ingredients 13

FOR THE CHICKEN AND MARINADE:
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon water, warm
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt, whole-milk
1 onion, large, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds each), each cut into 8 pieces
FOR THE BASTING MIXTURE:
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
3 tablespoons butter, unsalted

Steps:

1. Prepare the marinade. Place the saffron in a medium-size bowl and crush to a powder with a pestle or the end of a wooden spoon. Stir in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes, then stir in the yogurt, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.2. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold running water, then drain and blot dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a very large nonreactive bowl or baking dish and pour the marinade over them, turning the pieces to coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinate, in the refrigerator, for 24 hours, turning the pieces occasionally.3. Preheat the grill, using the two-tiered method.4. Prepare the basting mixture. Place the saffron in a small bowl and crush to a powder with a pestle or the end of a wooden spoon. Stir in the lemon juice and let stand for 5 minutes. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then remove from the heat and stir in the saffron mixture.5. When ready to cook, oil the grill grate. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and arrange, skin side down, on the grate over the hotter section of the grill. Brush the pieces once or twice as they cook with the basting mixture, watching them to see that they don't burn. Season with salt and pepper.6. Transfer the chicken pieces to serving plates or a platter and serve.Serves 8

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves