Grill Perfection: Seekh Kabab

Kabab dishes are popular and delicious choices in many cuisinescuisines around the world. One of the most well-known types of kababs is the "Seekh Kebab," which originates from South Asia. 

“Great recipe – it reminded me of the kebabs I used to enjoy on the streets of Calcutta and Bangalore.”

DOUGLAS

Making Seekh Kebabs at home can be a rewarding culinary adventure, allowing you to appreciate the art of marination, grilling, and  spice blending that characterizes this dish. It's a dish that brings people together and is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Enjoy the process of crafting these kebabs and savoring their deliciousness!





Yield: 10 | Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Rest Time: 30 min

Here's a detailed recipe for making Seekh Kebabs:

Ingredients:

For the kebabs:

» 500g minced meat (chicken, lamb, or beef)

»  1 medium onion, finely chopped

»  2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

»  2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

»  1 teaspoon garam masala (a blend of spices)

»  1 teaspoon cumin powder

»  1 teaspoon coriander powder

»  1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

»  1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

»  1/2 cup bread crumbs or roasted gram flour (besan)

»  Salt to taste

»  Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped

»  Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

»  2 tablespoons oil or melted ghee

»  Wooden skewers, soaked in water

For the marinade:

»  1/2 cup yogurt

»  1 tablespoon lemon juice

»  1 tablespoon mustard oil (optional)

»  1 teaspoon red chili powder

»  1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

»  Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onions, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, bread crumbs or roasted gram flour, salt, chopped coriander leaves, and chopped mint leaves.

2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined.

3. Add the oil or melted ghee to the mixture and continue to mix. This will help keep the kebabs moist while cooking.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, mustard oil (if using), red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to make the marinade.

5. Pour the marinade over the meat mixture and mix well. Let the mixture marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to tenderize.

6. Before shaping the kebabs, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning while cooking.

7. Take a handful of the marinated meat mixture and mold it onto the soaked wooden skewer. Gently press and shape the meat along the length of the skewer to form a kebab.

8. Preheat your grill, barbecue, or oven to medium-high heat.

9. Place the skewered kebabs on the grill or in the oven, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kebabs are cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.

10. Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.

11. Serve the Seekh Kebabs hot, garnished with some fresh chopped coriander leaves and lemon wedges. You can also serve them with naan, roti, or rice, along with mint chutney and sliced onions.


HOW TO MAKE SEEKH KEBAB TENDER

Many restaurants add quite a bit of fat to make their seekh kebab so flavorful and tender. One restaurant owner recently shared that they use 50% fat, 50% ground beef.

Since most of us aren’t comfortable using that at home, we have to use some type of tenderizer to achieve a similar level of tenderness. People use everything from cheese to potatoes to add tenderness. Also, Papaya paste has great results, and I found it to work perfectly.

Seekh Kebabs are a wonderful representation of the rich flavors and techniques of South Asian cuisine. The blend of aromatic spices, the tenderness of the marinated meat, and the slight char from grilling create a satisfying and delightful culinary experience. The marinade plays a crucial role in infusing the meat with layers of taste, making every bite a burst of flavors. The combination of herbs like mint and coriander adds a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the meat.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SEEKH KEBAB

Cilantro & Mint Raita (or Dahi Pudina Chutney) is the most ideal accompaniment for these kebabs. Its cool creaminess contrasts with the intense, meaty flavor of the kebab. Cucumber Raita, Kachumber Salad or crunchy vegetables add some crunch. Naan and rice pair perfectly to complete the meal.





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