Chana Dal Shikh Kebab is a mouthwatering, vegetarian twist on the traditional meat kebabs, using chana dal (split chickpeas) as the main ingredient. This recipe brings together the goodness of chana dal with a medley of aromatic spices and herbs, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for an appetizer or a snack, these kebabs are not only healthy but also packed with protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious treat. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chana Dal Mixture:
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 1 tablespoon cornflour or besan (chickpea flour)
- 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Sliced onions
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chana Dal:
- Rinse the chana dal under running water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, add the chana dal and enough water to cover it. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer on medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dal is soft but still holds its shape. Be careful not to overcook it.
- Drain any excess water and let the dal cool completely.
2. Making the Kebab Mixture:
- Once the chana dal is cool, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or a food processor, mash the dal slightly, leaving a few whole pieces for texture.
- In the same bowl, add finely chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger-garlic paste, and all the dry spices (cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt).
- Mix everything well, making sure the spices and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Add breadcrumbs and cornflour (or besan) to help bind the mixture together. If the mixture feels too sticky, add a little more breadcrumbs until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Shaping the Kebabs:
- Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a cylindrical or oval shape, similar to the traditional shikh kebab. You can also shape them into patties if preferred.
- Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.
4. Cooking the Kebabs:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the shaped kebabs in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the kebabs for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to add more oil in between batches to ensure the kebabs cook evenly.
5. Serving:
- Once the kebabs are cooked, remove them from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Garnish the Chana Dal Shikh Kebabs with fresh coriander leaves and serve them with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and your favorite chutney (mint chutney or tamarind chutney works wonderfully!).
Tips for Perfect Chana Dal Shikh Kebabs:
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of chat masala or amchur (dried mango powder) to the mixture.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can grind the chana dal into a coarse paste instead of mashing it.
- You can also bake these kebabs in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the kebabs on a greased tray for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and iron from chana dal.
- Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: Ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
- Versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is easy to follow and makes a delicious meal.
Try this Chana Dal Shikh Kebab recipe the next time you crave something crispy and savory. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick snack, or just craving a hearty treat, these kebabs are sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Enjoy!
