Minced Meat Shish-Kebab, Aromatic Rice, and a Fresh Tomato-Onion Salad

Discover an entrancing culinary masterpiece with Bulgarian Minced Majesty—a delicately spiced minced meat shish-kebab accompanied by aromatic rice and rounded off with a vibrant tomato-onion salad. This is more than just a dish; it’s a gastronomic story in flavors and textures.

Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour, plus 1 hour cooking time

Ingredients (for four people)

For the Minced Meat Shish-Kebab:

• 500 grams of minced lamb
• 500 grams of minced beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• Salt to taste

For the Tomato-Onion Salad:

• 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method to prepare the minced meat shish-kebab

Minced Meat Shish-Kebab:

1. Blend: In a bowl, combine minced lamb, beef, garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mold: Form the mixture into elongated shapes around the flat skewers.
3. Grill: Preheat your grill to 200°C (392°F). Cook the skewers for 5 minutes on each side.

Aromatic Rice:

1. Boil: In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth, saffron, and salt to a gentle boil.
2. Infuse: Add the Basmati rice and lower the heat to 180°C (356°F). Cover and cook until tender, roughly 20 minutes.

Tomato-Onion Salad:

1. Combine: In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, onion, and parsley.
2. Dress: Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Toss well.

Final Plating:

1. Lay the Foundation: Spoon a generous serving of aromatic rice onto each plate.
2. Elevate: Position the minced meat shish-kebab atop the rice.
3. Accentuate: Garnish with a generous scoop of the tomato-onion salad.

Tips and Tricks

• Finely Chopped: The more finely you chop the onion and garlic for the meat mixture, the better the texture.
• Time It Right: Don’t rush the rice; let it cook slowly to absorb all the flavors.
• Spice it up: Add green or red chili peppers.

Alternative Preparation Suggestions

• Substitute Basmati rice with Jasmine or even wild rice for a different texture.
• Add a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of sumac for a more tangy salad.

Storage Suggestions

Place any leftover kebabs and rice in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for 3 days. The salad is best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.

Interesting Facts

• Minced meat shish kebab is a modern take on the traditional Bulgarian kebab, infusing it with an array of spices for added depth.
• Saffron in rice is not traditionally Bulgarian but adds an exotic note that elevates the dish into the gourmet realm.
• The combination of lamb and beef in the minced meat offers a balanced flavor profile, reflecting Bulgaria’s diverse culinary influences.

Each bite is a flavor journey through Bulgarian culinary artistry. Cook, savor, and celebrate the rich tapestry of gourmet Bulgarian cuisine.