Kebab special

Aromatic, flavourful and light, chane ka kebab is sure to tickle the tastebuds

OOU good friend and exceptionally gifted chef Davinder Kumar of Le Meridian has recently come out with a mouth-watering book titled Just Kebabs—- Celebration of 365 Kebabs — one each for the days in the year, including one for the leap year.

More about the delicious and bewildering range of recipes showcased there but what is praiseworthy is that the author is even-handed in his offering treating non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike.

Usually, vegetarians have to make do with hara kebab or subz ke shami. If the spread is more lavish, then an assortment of tikka and seekh relying on paneer, mushroom and dried fruits may be available. But, we digress.

What has reminded us of the chane ka kebab is an absolutely delightful meal we had last week at the International Diner in GK-II Market in the Capital. The trendy eatery is run by Naveen, who has a flair for setting up innovative kitchen and restaurants. He is a ‘hands on’ operator and has been associated with some of the most high-profile eating joints in Delhi.

The menu at International Diner includes many Lebanese items and among them are kibbe and falafal. What we had was done to perfection. Aromatic, flavourful and light, despite deep-frying, it had filling of pine nuts. What was most amusing was the reaction of the fellow diner "Gazab ka chane ka kebab hain!" We leave it at that and offer a chane ka kebab recipe for those who will not settle for anything else.

Chane  ka  Kebab

Ingredients
Chickpeas (soaked overnight and boiled)  1 cup
Garlic and ginger paste  1 tsp
Royal cumin powder  ½ tsp
Red chilli powder  ¼ tsp
Clove powder  ¼ tsp
Green cardamom powder  ¼ tsp 
Cinnamon powder  ¼ tsp
Black pepper powder  ¼ tsp
Fresh coriander (chopped fine)  ¼ cup
Fresh ginger (scraped and diced)  1 tbsp
Green chilli (deseeded and chopped fine) one Pine nuts  1 tsp
Bread slices (soaked a little in water) two 
Breadcrumbs or suji  ½ cup
Salt to taste
Oil to deep fry

Method
Grind the boiled chickpeas coarsely. Mix the spice powders and salt. Blend with the bread slices. Shape into round balls and flatten by pressing between palms. Place a little chopped coriander, ginger, green chillies and a few pine nuts in the middle. Roll back into small balls and give the desired shape — oval or conical. Spread the breadcrumbs or suji in a flat tray and roll the chane ka kebab in it to cover with breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a thick-bottomed pan and deep-fry the kebabs till they acquire a rich brown colour. Place on kitchen towels to remove excess oil. Enjoy with chutney or tomato sauce.





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