Exotic Foods

Iranian Kabab Koobideh

Iranian Kabab Koobideh is a type of kofta kabab made from ground lamb. The lamb meat is mixed with salt, ground black pepper and grated onions. The name, Koobideh, is derived from the Persian word meaning "to pound," which is the traditional method of preparing the meat. In some parts of Iran, the dish is also known as "koufteh kabab," which originated from the older Persian root, kouftan, which means "to hit." Traditionally, the meat was placed on a flat stone or log, and pounded with a wooden mallet to soften it. The meat is then cooked on a skewer. 

There are two main types of Koobideh. A soft, tender type is served with Iranian flat-bread, such as sangak and lavash, and a juicier type served with rice. Both recipes use the same ingredients, the difference is in the processing of the meat.

The key ingredients of Koobideh are meat, white/yellow onion, salt, and black pepper. However, additional ingredients, such as beef, mutton, chicken, eggs, baking soda, bread crumbs, flour, or other spices, are added as variations. It is necessary to knead the meat mixture to a desired texture. For the softer meat, it should be kneaded at a higher temperature.

Video Link: Kabab Koobideh 

(Video: Courtesy Henrys HowTos)

British Meatballs

British Meatballs or traditionally known as Faggots are made from minced off-cuts and offal, especially pork (including pig's liver and fatty belly meat or bacon), mixed with herbs and bread crumbs. It is popular in South and Mid-Wales, and the English Midlands.

Meatballs became popular mainly due to agricultural workers who left their farms to work in factories and mines of Western England. They are also known as "savoury ducks" in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire.

Essentially, a Meatball consists of minced pork liver and heart, wrapped in bacon, with onion and breadcrumbs. The mixture is shaped by hand into small balls, wrapped with caul fat (the omentum membrane from the pig's abdomen) and baked. Faggots may also be made with beef.

Video Link: British Meatballs

(Video: Courtesy Uncle Matt's Cookery)