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Rania’s Kabob Grill spices up the East Valley culinary scene

BY JASMINE KEMPER

When it comes to Afghani cuisine, Rania’s Kabob Grill is as authentic as it gets.

Rania’s menu was constructed using family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, and they all work together to bring traditionally cooked dishes to their guests, said owner Wally Ansari.

“All the recipes are my mom’s homemade recipes. She comes in and cooks all of the recipes and there is someone that works under her. My dad does most of the marinades for the kabobs and meats and all that stuff,” Ansari said.

Rania’s only cooks with high-quality ingredients, like their meats, which they get from their neighbors at Midwestern Meats. By using the freshest ingredients, the dishes are some of the healthiest around.

One of their most sought after menu items is the spinach rice.

“It’s a side, but people love it. Everyone raves about our spinach rice. It’s something that we created ourselves and nobody else has it, which is good,” Ansari said.

This crowd favorite is made with seasoned, sautéed spinach that is chopped, blended and mixed with white basmati rice. Then the dish is re-baked to merge all the flavors together.

Afghani cuisine has perfected the usage of lamb in its recipes, which is why it

comes to no surprise that the lamb shank is another one of their most popular fares.

After a three-hour braise, the lamb shank is served with your choice of white, brown, spinach, or Kabuli style rice—which is a national dish made with seasoned basmati rice and topped with julienned carrots and raisins.

Being Rania’s Kabob Grill, they are especially known for their kabobs, specifically the Cornish Hen kabob platter.

The Cornish hen kabob consists of a whole Cornish game hen that is marinated, seasoned skewered and perfectly flame grilled.

“We’re probably the kabob kings of Arizona,” Ansari said.

Their kabobs (and all of their meats) are marinated for a minimum of three days in a mixture with jalapeño, garlic, salt and pepper.

After a delicious meal, you can treat yourself to an order of Afghani ice cream, which is a pistachio ice cream infused with rosewater and cardamom.

“It’s refreshing. It’s a nice addition to after dinner and it goes down smooth,” Ansari said.

If you’re a sucker for spices, Rania’s Kabob Grill is sure to satisfy.

Rania’s Kabob Grill, 1674 N. Higley Rd., Gilbert, (480) 656-7111, raniasgrill.com

HEALTHY

by and be sure to say

to your neighbors, Paul & Lisa 1940 S. Alma School Rd., Ste 5 Hidden Gem on NW corner of Alma School & Germann next to Cactus Bike, facing Germann 480.907.5293 • Check out our menu at PittaSouvli.com