After his release nine months later in 2000, Majid took his family to Pakistan. After 9/11, Majid, who was a police officer under the old government, was offered a job again with the police in Afghanistan, and he was eventually put in an anti-drug unit. There he was told unofficially to cooperate with the drug dealers and he would be protected and become rich.

"I could not do it," Majid wrote in his asylum application. "My family and I have made incredible sacrifices for our ideals, and I would not compromise them."

Sure enough, Majid and his family started receiving death threats. He was attacked numerous times and shot at, but the last straw was when his wife, Mahmoba, was attacked at the elementary school where she taught.

They decided to leave Afghanistan. In October 2006, the family arrived in Salt Lake City.

Kenny Farnsworth, 41, from Sandy, found out about the family and their situation a year ago. He offered to help the Rahimi family as they adjust to a new country.

"My parents helped refugee families when I was young," Farnsworth said, "so I thought I would get involved."

Farnsworth said he likes to cook, and he has integrated some Afghan recipes into his cooking.

"Some things I haven't been able to figure out," Farnsworth said.

Grocery shopping for the family hasn't been easy.

"They have been begging me for raw milk," Farnsworth said. "And you have to buy the meat from specialized stores in Salt Lake."

Farnsworth found Halal meat at Desi Market, 1615 W. 2100 South. Most everything else, he said, can be found at a regular grocery store.

"Except the rice," Farnsworth said. "They use a specific type."

The baghlan rice Mahmoba used for the meal was thin, long, delicious and expensive. Farnsworth said a 40-pound bag of the rice is $68. He buys the rice at Eastern Groceries, 1616 W. 3500 South or Halal Market, 2850 S. Redwood Road. Mahmoba soaked the rice — it's best soaked overnight, she said — drained it, boiled it, then pressure cooked.

It was worth it. After tasting the Qabuli Palau that Mahmoba made, it was clear that using instant white rice would be an insult to the dish.

As a substitute, basamati rice would be the next best type of rice to use in this dish, Farnsworth said.

When eating, Farnsworth said it is a custom in Afghanistan for people to sit on pillows and carpets on the floor and eat with their hands. In their apartment, the Rahimi family, or as many as had seats, sat down together at the table, piled with enough food to feed a small army. They dug in with their silverware.

The dishes were presented beautifully and served generously. Mursal took pride in making sure each dish has a garnish.

"It makes it beautiful," Mursal said.

The Chabli Kebab looked like small hamburger patties. Each bite was tender and melted in the mouth.