Saffron chicken kababs with peaches

Also known as Joojeh Kabab ba Holu, an Iranian barbecue would be incomplete without the dizzying scent of saffron chicken kababs on the grill.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Using a mortar and pestle (or small bowl and the handle end of a wooden spoon), grind the saffron with the sugar to a fine powder (about ¼ teaspoon). Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Bring 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a kettle, saucepan or using the microwave, then let stand for
   2 minutes to allow the water temperature to drop slightly. Add to the ground saffron powder, gently stir, cover and steep for
   5 minutes.
3. To the saffron water, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper; carefully stir to mix. Add the chicken and onion to the marinade and combine until well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to
   24 hours, turning the chicken pieces around in the marinade every once in a while.
4. Prepare a charcoal grill until the coals are ashed over and still hot, or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Skewer the tomatoes and peaches separately and set aside. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and skewer them. It's best to use flat, 1/2-inch-wide skewers or double skewers so the chicken pieces stay put when turned.
5. Transfer the onion and any remaining marinade to a medium skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for
   5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and the skillet is nearly dry, 15 to
   20 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, grill the chicken, basting with the butter and turning every
   2 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, 10 to
   12 minutes on a charcoal grill and 15 to
   18 minutes on a gas grill.
7. Grill the tomatoes and peaches alongside the chicken: Grill the tomatoes, turning every 2 to
   3 minutes, until softened and slightly blistered, 6 to
   8 minutes on charcoal and about
   10 minutes on a gas grill. Grill the peaches, turning every 2 to
   3 minutes, until softened but not falling apart, about
   10 minutes.
8. If using lavash bread, drape on a serving platter. Place the chicken, tomatoes and peaches on the bread. (As the kababs sit, the bread soaks up the wonderful juices and becomes a highly sought-after bite.) Serve with the cooked onions, lime wedges for squeezing and sumac for sprinkling.