Spicy, Lean and Charcoal-Free Beef Kabobs

My childhood consisted of juicy beef kabobs almost every Sunday, whether from our backyard’s grill or the neighborhood Persian restaurant.  Unfortunately, my NYC apartment does not have access to a charcoal grill, but a grill pan– YES! Add some extra-lean meat and savory ingredients (some traditional Persian flavors, some not) and an indoor kabob is on.  Here’s how it goes–

Prep time: 15 minutes                            Cook Time: 15 minutes                            Total Time: ~30 minutes

Servings: ~4-5

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced or grated
• 1/2 jalapeno, minced (remove seeds for more mild kabob)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 table spoon canola, or other plant based oil

Directions:

• Add all ingredients except the oil to a large bowl; combine with clean hands until ingredients are well distributed (you can also let this kabob meat marinate for 1-2 hours, or overnight to enhance flavors)
• Form the meat into mini kabobs, about 1/3 cup each
• Heat a grill pan or large skillet to medium high heat
• Coat a grill pan (or skillet) with the oil, until it is glistening
• Cook kabobs for 5-6 minutes on both sides until they are brown in the center