Chapli Kebab
Pakistani Chapli Kebab is a favorite street food delicacy that has gained immense popularity over the years. Originally from the northwestern Pakistani region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chapli Kebab is a must-try dish for meat lovers. Made with a blend of minced meat, spices, and herbs, Chapli Kebab is a crispy and spicy dish that tantalizes your taste buds.
The dish owes its origin to the Pashtun tribes, who are known for their love for meat, particularly lamb and beef. Chapli Kebab is an integral part of Pashtun cuisine and is usually served with fresh naan bread, tomato ketchup, and yogurt sauce.
The word “Chapli” in the name of this dish signifies the flat shape of the kebab, which looks like a slipper. Kebab means grilled or barbecued meat. The flat shape of the kebab helps in cooking the meat evenly and makes it crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy and tender from the inside.
The recipe for Chapli Kebab is quite simple and straightforward, where the main ingredient is the minced meat. It can be made with lamb, beef, or chicken, depending on preference. The meat is mixed with a variety of spices, including coriander seeds, cumin, red chili powder, salt, and garam masala, which gives the dish a unique flavor and aroma.
Apart from the spices, Chapli Kebab recipe also includes fresh herbs such as chopped mint leaves, green chilies, and onions. These add freshness and a peppery flavor to the kebabs. The onions also help to keep the kebabs moist and juicy.
To bind the ingredients together, gram flour or cornflour is added. It not only helps to bind the ingredients but also gives the kebabs a crispy texture when fried.
Chapli Kebab can be pan-fried or deep-fried, depending on personal preference. Traditionally, it is made in a cast-iron skillet with a little oil to crisp it to perfection. The flat shape of the kebab makes it easy to cook, ensuring that all sides are nicely browned.
The best way to serve Chapli Kebab is with fresh naan bread or pita bread. A good serving of green chutney, fresh tomato ketchup, sliced onions, and lemon wedges completes the dish.
In conclusion, Pakistani Chapli Kebab is a classic and delicious dish that is easy to make and loved by all. Its unique blend of spices, fresh herbs, and meat makes it a perfect dish for meat lovers. You can try this recipe at home and enjoy a piece of Pashtun culture on your plate.
Ingredients:
- 500g minced beef or lamb
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, crushed
- 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup gram flour (besan)
- Oil for frying
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, onion, ginger paste, garlic paste, green chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red chilli flakes, garam masala powder, salt, egg, coriander leaves, mint leaves and gram flour. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into round flat patties, about the size of your palm.
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Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan and cook until brown and crisp on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side.
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Serve hot with mint chutney or yogurt sauce.
Optional: You can also add chopped tomatoes, pomegranate seeds, or sliced onions on top of the kebab for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy!