Beware the Meat Industrial Complex, especially if it is run by the families of high ranking Mullahs. This is a great example about the pitfalls of excluding the private sector from essential social functions. As scandals go, the US has Abramoff but Iran has Donkeygate.
Regime Sells Donkey Meat for Beef: According to the Islamic regimes media, in recent months the regime has been selling donkey meat to people who thought were buying beef. Two of the larger wholesale meat distributors of Tehran who purchased all the donkeys of villages around Damovand are the source of this scam.
The State Livestock Affairs Logistics (SLAL) and the Government Trading Corporation (GTC) are the two main importers of meat in Iran. The private sector is not allowed to import. It is also known that the entire meat cartel, [including the above-mentioned companies that imported the rotten meat from Brazil and India] is run by the families of high-ranking Mullahs.
Iranian Donkey with Couscous: This is a great Persian dish that isn't too spicy.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb boneless donkey roast, in 3/4 inch chunks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 1/4 cups donkey stock
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
8 ounces white pearl onions, peeled
8 ounces butternut squash or sweet potatoes, in 1/2 inch cubes
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup pitted prunes
3/4 cup couscous
Heat oil on medium high. Sprinkle donkey with salt and pepper and brown in oil for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Add stock and cinnamon, bring to boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour. Stir in onions, squash or sweet potato, vinegar, and honey, bring back to a boil Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until meat and vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, cook couscous in another pot. Add prunes and chick peas to stew, cover, and heat just until mixture returns to a boil (about 2 minutes). Serve stew over couscous.
