Authentic Shaami Kabab Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Servings: 6–8 people
Cuisine: Pakistani / Indian
Course: Appetizer / Main
What is Shaami Kabab?
Shaami Kababs are traditional minced meat patties made with lentils, ground meat, spices, and herbs. These flavorful kababs are a popular part of South Asian cuisine, perfect for serving as a side dish, snack, or even in sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients
For Boiling:
- 500g boneless beef or chicken
- 1/2 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked for 1 hour
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4–5 garlic cloves
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 2–3 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 cloves
- 1 small piece of cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water
For Mixing:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 green chilies, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
For Frying:
- 1 egg (for coating)
- Oil for shallow frying
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Lentils
- In a large pot, add meat, soaked chana dal, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, red chilies, whole spices, and salt.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and cook on medium heat until the meat is tender and water dries up completely.
- Let the mixture cool completely.
Tip: Make sure there is no water left. The mixture should be dry before blending.
2. Grind the Mixture
- Remove whole spices if you prefer a smoother texture.
- In a food processor, grind the meat and lentil mixture to a fine, dough-like consistency.
3. Mix in Fresh Ingredients
- Transfer the ground mixture to a bowl.
- Add chopped onion, green chilies, coriander, mint (if using), and one egg. Mix well.
4. Shape the Kababs
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape into flat round patties (about the size of your palm).
5. Fry the Kababs
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Dip each kabab into beaten egg and shallow fry until golden brown on both sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with mint chutney, ketchup, or raita.
- Great with naan, paratha, or inside a bun for a kabab burger.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freezing: Shape kababs and freeze them uncooked in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a zip-lock bag.
- Reheating: Fry directly from frozen on medium-low heat or microwave for a quick snack.
FAQs
❓ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken cooks faster and gives a lighter taste. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
❓ Why are my kababs breaking while frying?
Ensure the mixture is dry and well-bound. You can add breadcrumbs or another egg if needed.
❓ Can I bake these kababs?
Yes, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes or until golden, flipping halfway.
Nutrition (Approximate per piece)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 5g
Enjoy your homemade Shaami Kababs – crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside!
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