Chapli Kebabs, a specialty of the Pashtun cuisine in Pakistan, are a culinary masterpiece that never fails to delight the taste buds. These flat, round kebabs are made from finely minced beef or lamb, and they are renowned for their unique shape and extraordinary flavor. In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step recipe to prepare Chapli Kebabs at home, allowing you to savor this flavorful delight right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Kebabs:- 500 grams of minced meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil for frying
For Frying:
- Cooking oil or ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions
Preparing the Chapli Kebabs
1. In a dry pan, roast the cumin seeds and coriander seeds over low heat until fragrant. Let them cool and then grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, finely chopped onion, green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, fresh mint leaves, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin-coriander powder, red chili flakes, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt.
3. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands. This step is essential to ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a flat, round kebab. The unique feature of Chapli Kebabs is their thin, round shape with a slight depression in the center. Repeat this process to make more kebabs.
Frying the Kebabs
1. Heat cooking oil or ghee in a frying pan over medium heat. Ensure that the oil is hot but not smoking.
2. Carefully place the prepared Chapli Kebabs in the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Once the kebabs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving
Chapli Kebabs are best enjoyed hot and fresh. They can be served with naan or flatbread and accompanied by a zesty tomato-onion salad. Some people also prefer to drizzle a bit of lemon juice on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Chapli Kebabs are a culinary treasure that showcases the artistry of Pashtun cuisine. With their aromatic spices and unique shape, they are a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide. Now, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring the authentic taste of Chapli Kebabs to your own kitchen and savor the extraordinary flavors of this delightful dish.
