Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (keema) with at least 20% fat
- 3/4 tbsp ginger paste
- 3/4 tbsp garlic paste
- 1.5 tbsp green chili paste (3-6 chilies)
- 1 1/4 tbsp papaya paste (crushed papaya)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro/coriander
- 1/3 cup fried onions
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (haldi) powder
- 1/8 tsp ground mace (a small pinch)
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (a small pinch)
- 1/2 tsp allspice (kabab chini) (if available)
- a piece of coal for smoke
Instructions
- Making the Meat Mix: Combine all the ingredients listed except the coal in a food processor and process until well combined. The mixture should be easy to shape into kababs. Fry a small test piece to check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If the mix is too soft, add a tablespoon of chickpea flour (besan); if too dry, add a tablespoon of yogurt or ghee.
- Allowing the Meat to Smoke: Transfer the meat mixture into a bowl with a lid. Place an onion peel or a piece of foil on top of the meat. Heat a piece of coal on the stove until glowing red. Place the hot coal on the onion/foil in the bowl, drizzle a little oil on the coal to generate smoke, cover the bowl tightly, and let the meat infuse in the smoke for 15 minutes.
- Shaping the Kababs: Grease your hands and your shaping tool (skewer, wooden dowel, straw, or plastic-wrapped slim pen). Form the meat into 2-inch balls, then skewer through the center to create the traditional kabab shape. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
- Storing the Kababs: For freezing, place kababs on a tray and flash freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. For immediate use, store marinated kababs in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ideally letting them rest overnight to enhance tenderness.
- Cooking the Kababs: Heat a frying pan on medium heat. Fry the kababs gently for a few minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through but not overcooked. Cooking on medium heat prevents burning and keeps them juicy.
- Serving: Serve the hot gola kababs on a bed of charred onions and green chilies. Accompany with paratha, fresh green chutney, and lemon wedges for a burst of tangy flavor.
Notes
- If the kabab mixture is too soft to shape, adding chickpea flour helps bind it.
- If the mixture feels dry, add a bit of yogurt or ghee for moisture.
- Using a piece of hot coal to infuse smoke flavor is traditional and enhances the kabab's aroma and taste.
- Allowing the kababs to marinate overnight improves flavor and tenderness.
- For freezing kababs, flash freezing individually prevents sticking and preserves shape.
- Medium heat frying prevents the kababs from burning and keeps them juicy inside.
- Serving with charred onions, chilies, fresh chutney, and lemon complements the rich flavor perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: South Asian