Persian Shaami

My grandmother used to make شامی shaami kabab all the time and they looked beautiful and tasted amazing. Shaamis are meat patties that look like donuts. Grandma's kitchen consisted of a small portable gas cooktop next to her bed and a small table filled with different spice jars and cooking gadgets. At a very young age I was fascinated by her cooking especially the way she prepared shaami kabab. I cannot remember the exact measurements but this recipe is very close.

Shaami Kabab

Ingredients:

1 pound ground meat (lamb or beef)
1 cup cooked chickpeas or yellow split peas (drain, grind in a food processor) or use 2 tablespoons dried chickpea flour
1 medium onion (grated)

1 large garlic clove (minced)

2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Dash of cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Method:

1. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly until well blended. 
2. Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. 
3. Take a handful of the meat mixture, shape into a small ball, flatten it as the size of the palm of your hand, make a hole in the middle with your finger. 
4. Fry both sides until brown. 

Serve with fresh herbs, yogurt, pickles and warm bread.

Enjoy!