Keema kebab juicy minced meat kababs with perfect spices

 Introduction:

Hyderabad's cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich and royal culture. This cuisine is a perfect combination of Mughlai and Deccani flavors, with a unique balance of spices. One of the most popular dishes at Hyderabadi weddings, banquets, and family get-togethers is 

Hyderabadi Keema Kebab

  

The word kebab often conjures up images of a juicy, soft and smoky dish when it comes to Hyderabadi keema kebab, its aroma, texture, and flavor are unique and special. This kebab is made with simple ingredients but the preparation method and balance of spices make it extraordinary. 

Made from finely minced keema of mutton or beef mixed with green coriander, mint, onion, and aromatic spices, this kebab can be shallow fried on a tawa or grilled for a smoky flavor. Its taste is doubled with green chutney, onion rings and hot naan. 

In this recipe, we will see step by step how to easily make Hyderabadi style keema kabab at home. 

Ingredients:

For keema mixtur:

• Mutton or beef keema 500 grams (finely minced, keema with some fat)

• Onion 1 medium (finely chopped or grated) 

• Green chilies 3 to 4 (finely chopped)

• Ginger garlic paste 2 tablespoons 

• Fresh coriander (hara dhania) finely chopped 

• Fresh mint leaves (pudina) finely chopped

• Roasted gram flour (bhuna besan) 2 tablespoons 

• Bread slice 1 (soaked in water, squeezed)

• Red chili powder 1 teaspoon 

• Coriander powder 1 teaspoon 

• Cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon 

• Garam masala 1 teaspoon 

• Salt to taste 

• Lemon juice 1 tablespoon 

• Egg 1 (optional, for binding)

For frying

• Oil as required or Butter a little (for extra flavor when grilling)

For serving

• Onion rings 

• Lemon wedges 

• Green chutney 

Method:

1. Preparing the keema:

First, you need finely minced keema, because if it’s coarse, the kebab will be hard. Therefore, ask the butcher to make a very smooth keema. If needed, rinse the keema quickly and drain completely. Be careful not to make the mixture moist, otherwise the kebabs will break during frying. 

2. Mixing the spices:

In a deep mixing bowl, add the keema.  

Now add onion, green chillies, ginger garlic paste, coriander leaves and mint leaves and mix well. These herbs give the kebabs a fresh and aromatic flavor.

Then add roasted gram flour and soaked bread slices to help bind the mixture well. Add dry spices like red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Add lemon juice and an egg (optional), then mix and knead the mixture well with your hands to combine all the flavors. 

3. Marination time:

It's important to let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the mixture to firm up. If you want more flavorful kebabs, you can marinate them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

4. Shaping the kebab:

Lightly oil your hands and take small portions of the mixture and shape them into strips or oval shapes. If you prefer, you can also shape the kebab into seekh kebabs. This step is crucial, as the shape makes the kebabs look appealing when fried.

5. Cooking methods:

Shallow frying

Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil. Carefully add the kebabs and fry over a medium flame until golden brown on both sides. Avoid excessive heat; otherwise, the kebabs will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. 

“For an authentic Hyderabadi aroma, place a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl, add a little ghee to it, and then place this bowl in the center of the kebab mixture. Cover it for 2 minutes to infuse the smoky flavor.” 

Tips:

Keema selection: 

Always Choose keema with fat to make the kebabs juicy. Lean meat alone will make them dry. 

Moisture control: If the mixture seems loose, add more roasted chickpea flour or breadcrumbs.

Cooking flame: 

Always fry kebabs over medium flame. High heat burns them; low heat makes them absorb too much oil. 

Storage:

You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. 

Conclusion: 

Hyderabadi keema kebab is a dish that brings the authentic taste of Hyderabad's royal cuisine to your home. Its aromatic spices, fresh touch of herbs, and juicy texture make it the perfect starter. For a family dinner, or at a wedding feast.

For an authentic touch, serve it with naan and mint chutney. For a modern twist, wrap the kebabs in rolls it enhances the flavor and makes a great snack. 

Try making it at home once; you'll feel like you're walking the streets of Hyderabad eating authentic kebabs. This dish is best enjoyed with family, making the experience truly complete..

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