Are you craving a taste of authentic Pakistani cuisine? Look no further! This recipe for Shami Kabab will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Pakistan. These flavorful patties are incredibly versatile – perfect as an appetizer, a light meal, or even a delicious addition to your next party spread. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the rich, savory goodness of homemade Shami Kababs!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 12 Shami Kababs.
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (or a mix!)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (freshly made are best!)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground meat, chopped onion, mashed chickpeas, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, cilantro, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly but avoid overmixing, as this can make the kababs tough.
Shaping the kababs:
- Once everything is well combined, form the mixture into small, flat patties, approximately 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Cooking the kababs:
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Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (a small pinch of the mixture should sizzle when added), carefully place the Shami Kababs in the skillet, leaving some space between each patty.
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Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
Serving suggestions:
- Remove the cooked Shami Kababs from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with naan bread, chutney, raita (yogurt dip), or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Shami Kababs:
- Freshly made breadcrumbs: Using freshly made breadcrumbs instead of store-bought ones adds a delightful texture and flavor to your kababs. Simply pulse some day-old bread in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can result in tough kababs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the kababs; otherwise, they may absorb too much oil.
Delicious Variations:
- Add some heat: Include a finely chopped green chili pepper to the mixture for an extra kick.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley.
- Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. A single Shami Kabab contains approximately 150-200 calories, with varying amounts of protein and fat. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This Shami Kabab recipe is a quick dinner idea, a delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this beloved Pakistani recipe! Happy cooking!