Discover The Secret to Perfect Homemade Kebabs With This Detailed Recipe

Kebabs are a popular dish made from seasoned minced meat or vegetables, shaped onto skewers. They can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried until cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges, onions, and your favorite chutney. They make for a great snack, appetizer, or main course.

Kebabs are a delicious dish made from minced meat or vegetables, seasoned with spices and herbs. To prepare, mix the meat or vegetables with chopped onions, garlic, and spices, and shape them onto skewers. They can be grilled, pan-fried, or baked until cooked through. Serve hot with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and chutney for added flavor. For a vegetarian version, use paneer or chickpeas as a base. Kebabs are versatile and perfect as snacks, appetizers, or main dishes.

Ingredients

For Minced Meat Kebabs:

• 500 grams minced meat (lamb, beef, or chicken)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon oil (for binding)
• Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones)

For Vegetable Kebabs:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, etc.), cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika or red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Minced Meat Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onions, garlic, ginger paste, green chilies, cilantro, and mint.
• Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Drizzle lemon juice and oil over the mixture, then mix again. The oil helps in binding the kebab mixture.

2. Form the Kebabs:

• Take a small portion of the meat mixture and shape it around a skewer into a long, cylindrical shape, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres well. Repeat until all the mixture is used. If making vegetable kebabs, thread the vegetable cubes onto the skewers.

3. Marinate (Optional):

• For more flavor, let the formed kebabs marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is optional but recommended for the minced meat kebabs.

4. Cooking the Kebabs:

• Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the kebabs are cooked through and have a nice char.
• Pan-Frying: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the kebabs in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 C (400 F). Place the kebabs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

5. Serve:

• Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the skewers (if desired) and serve hot. Garnish with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve with sauces like mint chutney, yogurt dip, or your favorite chutney.

Tips

• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add more chili for heat or more herbs for freshness.
• Vegetarian Option: You can replace minced meat with mashed paneer, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Add spices and herbs as per taste.
• Cooking Method: If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler in the oven.

Kebabs are versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. Pair them with your favorite sides for a complete meal.