Entree: Pakistan – Pashtun Cuisine – چپلی کباب ➤ Chapli Kabab (Crispy, spiced flattened minced meat patties pan-fried until fragrant and browned)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 15 min

Total 45 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef, preferably 15–20% fat
- 1 large egg, approx. 1.8 oz (50 g), beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) roasted coriander seeds, crushed
- 1 tsp (5 ml) roasted cumin seeds, crushed
- 1 tsp (5 ml) anardana powder (ground dried pomegranate seeds) or 1 tbsp (15 ml) crushed pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornmeal or gram flour for binding
- 1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala
- 1 tsp (5 ml) red chili flakes or powder, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) baking soda (optional, for tenderness)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil for shallow frying, plus more as needed

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, tomato, green chilies, cilantro, mint (if using) and ginger-garlic paste. Mix gently but thoroughly.
2. Add crushed coriander and cumin seeds, anardana powder, cornmeal, garam masala, red chili flakes, salt, and baking soda (if using). Mix until evenly incorporated; chill 15–20 minutes to firm up if mixture feels loose.
3. Divide mixture into 6–8 portions and shape each into a flat round patty about 1/2 inch thick, pressing a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry patties in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula for even contact, then reduce heat slightly and cook until well-browned and cooked through, about 3–5 more minutes per side depending on thickness.
5. Transfer cooked kebabs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with naan, yogurt chutney, sliced onions and lemon wedges.