 |
| How to Make Peshawari Chapli Kabab at Home |
If you are a fan of Pakistani cuisine, you have probably heard of Peshawari Chapli Kabab. This delicious dish is one of the most popular street foods in the country, especially in the northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But what is Peshawari Chapli Kabab and how can you make it at home? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more.
Brief history of Peshawari Chapli Kabab
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is a type of minced meat patty that is spiced with various herbs and spices and fried in oil. The name "chapli" comes from the Pashto word for "flat", which describes the shape of the kabab. The word "Peshawari" refers to the city of Peshawar, which is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the cultural hub of the Pashtun people.
The origin of Peshawari Chapli Kabab is not clear, but some historians believe that it was influenced by the Afghan cuisine, as Peshawar was once part of the Afghan Empire. Others suggest that it was developed by the local cooks who used the ingredients available in the region, such as beef, lamb, tomatoes, onions, coriander, mint, green chilies, and pomegranate seeds.
What is Peshawari Chapli Kabab?
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is a simple yet flavorful dish that consists of minced meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, salt, red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, dried pomegranate seeds, eggs, and gram flour. The mixture is then shaped into flat patties and fried in oil until golden and crispy on both sides. The kababs are usually served hot with naan bread, salad, yogurt sauce, and lemon wedges.
Why is it popular?
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is popular for many reasons. First of all, it is easy to make and does not require any special equipment or skills. You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and fry the kababs when you are ready to eat. Second, it is versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, a starter, or a main course. You can also adjust the spiciness level according to your taste. Third, it is delicious and satisfying. The kababs are juicy and tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The combination of spices and herbs gives them a unique flavor that appeals to many palates.
Ingredients
To make Peshawari Chapli Kabab at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of minced beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3-4 green chilies, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon of dried pomegranate seeds
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons of gram flour
- Oil for frying
You can find most of these ingredients in your local grocery store or Asian market. If you cannot find dried pomegranate seeds, you can substitute them with lemon juice or vinegar for a tangy flavor.
Preparation
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's start making Peshawari Chapli Kabab. Follow these simple steps:
- In a large bowl, add the minced meat, onion, tomato, green chili, coriander leaves, mint leaves, salt, red chili powder, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and dried pomegranate seeds. Mix well with your hands until everything is well combined.
- Add the eggs and gram flour and mix well again. The mixture should be moist but not sticky. If it is too dry, add some water. If it is too wet, add some more gram flour.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into flat patties. You can make them as big or as small as you like. You can also make a small hole in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the patties in batches for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
- Serve hot with naan bread, salad, yogurt sauce, and lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Here are some tips for making the perfect Peshawari Chapli Kabab:
- Use fresh and good quality meat for the best flavor and texture. You can also use chicken or turkey if you prefer.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture or it will become tough and dry. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan or the kababs will lose their shape and become soggy. Fry them in batches and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.
- Do not overcook the kababs or they will become dry and hard. Cook them until they are golden and juicy on the inside.
Nutritional Information
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is not only tasty but also nutritious. It is a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for your health. However, it is also high in fat, calories, and sodium, so you should enjoy it in moderation and balance it with other healthy foods.
According to MyFitnessPal¹, one serving of Peshawari Chapli Kabab (100 grams) made with beef has approximately:
- 185 calories
- 9.1 grams of fat (2.3 grams of saturated fat)
- 12.9 grams of carbs (2.9 grams of sugars)
- 10.9 grams of protein
- 536 mg of sodium
- 0 mg of cholesterol
The nutritional values may vary depending on the type and quality of meat, the size and shape of the kababs, and the amount and type of oil used for frying. You can reduce the fat and calorie content by using lean meat, such as chicken or turkey, and by using less oil or baking the kababs instead of frying them.
Nutritional Information
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is not only tasty but also nutritious. It is a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for your health. However, it is also high in fat, calories, and sodium, so you should enjoy it in moderation and balance it with other healthy foods.
According to MyFitnessPal¹, one serving of Peshawari Chapli Kabab (100 grams) made with beef has approximately:
- 185 calories
- 9.1 grams of fat (2.3 grams of saturated fat)
- 12.9 grams of carbs (2.9 grams of sugars)
- 10.9 grams of protein
- 536 mg of sodium
- 0 mg of cholesterol
The nutritional values may vary depending on the type and quality of meat, the size and shape of the kababs, and the amount and type of oil used for frying. You can reduce the fat and calorie content by using lean meat, such as chicken or turkey, and by using less oil or baking the kababs instead of frying them.
Serving Suggestions
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is a versatile dish that can be served in different ways. You can enjoy it as a snack, a starter, or a main course. Here are some of the most common ways to serve Peshawari Chapli Kabab:
- With naan bread: This is the traditional way to serve Peshawari Chapli Kabab. You can use plain naan, garlic naan, or any other variety of naan bread. You can also make your own naan bread at home with this easy recipe.
- With salad: A fresh and crunchy salad is a great accompaniment to Peshawari Chapli Kabab. You can use any salad ingredients you like, such as lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, carrot, cabbage, etc. You can also add some cheese, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.
- With yogurt sauce: A creamy and tangy yogurt sauce is a must-have with Peshawari Chapli Kabab. It helps to balance the spiciness and richness of the kababs. You can make your own yogurt sauce by mixing plain yogurt with salt, garlic, mint, and lemon juice.
- With lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of freshness and acidity to Peshawari Chapli Kabab. It also enhances the flavor of the meat and the spices. You can serve lemon wedges on the side or squeeze them over the kababs before serving.
Some other side dishes that go well with Peshawari Chapli Kabab are:
- Rice: You can serve plain rice or any flavored rice with Peshawari Chapli Kabab. Some popular options are pulao, biryani, jeera rice, etc.
- Chutney: You can serve any type of chutney with Peshawari Chapli Kabab. Some common ones are mint chutney, tamarind chutney, mango chutney, etc.
- Pickles: You can serve any type of pickles with Peshawari Chapli Kabab. Some common ones are mango pickle, lemon pickle, carrot pickle, etc.
- Fries: You can serve french fries or potato wedges with Peshawari Chapli Kabab for a more indulgent meal. You can also season them with salt, pepper, paprika, or any other spices you like.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned how to make Peshawari Chapli Kabab at home. We have covered the following topics:
- The brief history and origin of Peshawari Chapli Kabab
- The ingredients and preparation method of Peshawari Chapli Kabab
- The nutritional value and benefits of Peshawari Chapli Kabab
- The serving suggestions and side dishes for Peshawari Chapli Kabab
Peshawari Chapli Kabab is a delicious and easy dish that you can enjoy with your family and friends. It is a great way to experience the authentic flavors of Pakistani cuisine. You can also customize it according to your taste and preference. We hope you will try this recipe and share your feedback with us.
Thank you for reading this article. If you liked it, please share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more recipes and tips. Happy cooking!
