Shami Kebabs

Shami or Shaami Kebabs are soft, flavourful kebabs traditionally prepared with minced meat and ground chickpeas (chana dal), blended with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. These delicious kebabs can be made with chicken, mutton, lamb, or beef and are shallow fried until beautifully golden on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside.

Ingredients

• 500 grams mince (chicken or mutton)

• 200 grams chana dal, soaked overnight

• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

• 4 green chillies, finely chopped

• 4 medium onions, finely chopped and lightly stir fried

• 1 tbsp chilli powder, or according to taste

• 1 tbsp coriander powder

• ½ tbsp cumin powder

• ½ tbsp garam masala powder

• ½ tbsp chaat masala

• 1 cup coriander leaves, finely chopped

• ½ cup mint leaves, finely chopped

• Salt to taste

• 1 egg

• A pinch of turmeric powder

• A little pepper powder

Method

1. Wash and drain the soaked chana dal well.

2. In a pan or pressure cooker, add the mince, chana dal, turmeric powder, pepper powder, and salt. Add only a little water and cook until the mince and dal are soft and the moisture has almost dried up.

3. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

4. Grind the cooked mince and chana dal mixture into a coarse paste.

5. Transfer to a bowl and add the ginger garlic paste, green chillies, stir-fried onions, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and egg. Mix well until combined.

6. Shape the mixture into round kebabs.

7. Heat a little oil in a shallow frying pan and fry the kebabs on medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Turn carefully while frying.

8. Serve hot with green chutney, onion rings, or ketchup.