Kobideh Kebob (beef kebob)

by Celia Sin-Tien Cheng
November 21, 2008

RAVAGH PERSIAN GRILL
11 E 30th St
(5th & Madison Aves)
New York, NY 10016
212-696-0300

1237 1st Ave
(66th & 67th Sts)
New York, NY 10065
212-861-7900

I’ve been on a Middle Eastern kick lately, evidenced by my recent review and frequent visits to Naya, but Ravagh, recommended by a friend, was a surprise and an excellent one at that. Around since 1996, Ravagh is on an unassuming block, with Persian rug stores, close to K-town. Two stories high, the main dining room is on the ground floor while the top is for larger parties.

I liked it so much I’ve been back three times with a fourth visit set for this weekend (after a second screening of Quantum of Solace — a little meat to go with my Bond).

Here is what I’ve found spectacular at Ravagh: the kobideh kebob (seasoned ground beef kebobs), the lamb shank stew and their specialty rice: zereshk polo (barberries, currants and saffron mixed with basmati rice) and green rice (dill rice with fava beans).

The kobideh is two skewers of ground beef are seasoned with olive oil, onion, saffron, jalapeño, salt and pepper, and the aromas that tickle your senses when you bite into the meat are addictive. Though it’s served with basmati rice, you can substitute it with one of the special rices. I recommend the fruitiness of the dried barberries and currants as the perfect complement to the full-flavored ground meat mixed with spices. I also order yogurt (cucumber over shallots) to balance the meat with something tangy and refreshing. And be advised, the portions are large, so I also recommend sharing.

The lamb stew is a shank of tender and succulent meat simmered with herbs and garlic in a tomato sauce. Served with dill rice, it’s the quintessential home-style dish that brings warmth to your tummy and heart. I savor the flavors of the stew by just taking a few spoonfuls alone, then I dress the dill and fava bean rice in it as well.

While both of these meat dishes sound hearty, they are neither heavy nor greasy. They fill you up but don’t weigh you down. As the weather gets colder, I can’t think of a better way to warm up than at Ravagh with these two superb dishes.

A word of advice, bring your own wine ($15 cork fee) and skip the appetizers. I’d go straight for the good stuff.

Also in Beef, Lamb, Middle Eastern, Murray Hill, Persian, Rice