“Today, I’m excited to share with you my ultimate comfort food recipe – the mouthwatering Shami Kabab or Shami Tikki.
This versatile dish is perfect as a tea-time snack, a sideline with dinner or lunch, or even as a flavorful addition to Pulao or Daal Chawal. We love enjoying it with Chapati or Parathas, and it’s always a hit with my family. What’s more, it’s a quick and easy option to serve to guests. Personally, I also use Shami Kababs to make delicious sandwiches for my kids’ school lunches.
Shami Kabab is a type of kebab made from a mixture of minced or boneless meat – typically beef, but also chicken or mutton – combined with chana lentils, spices, and egg to bind it all together. The result is a flavorful and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg boneless beef ( mutton, or chicken)
- 1 cup chana dal, washed and soaked for 30 minutes (or 1.5 cups)
- 1 1/2 large onions, sliced
- 10 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons whole ginger
- 5-6 whole red chilies
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2-3 black cardamoms
- 2-3 green cardamoms
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- Salt to taste
To Assemble:
- 2 eggs
- 1 bunch fresh coriander
- 1/2 bunch fresh mint
- 1 large chopped onion
- 3-4 green chilies
Method:
- In a large pot, combine the meat, chana lentils, ginger, garlic, salt, onion, and whole spices. Add water to cover the mixture, with about 1 inch of water above.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Alternatively, use a pressure cooker with the same amount of water and cook until the meat and lentils are cooked.
- Once the mixture is cooked, grind or pound it in a mortar and pestle to achieve a meaty texture. Let it cool.
- To assemble the Shami Kababs, mix together the cooled mixture, eggs, onion, coriander, mint, and green chilies. Use your hands to mix well.
- Shape the mixture into patties. If the mixture is too dry and cracks appear, add another egg.
- Shallow-fry the patties with or without dipping them in egg.
