The Best Chapli Kabab

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp carom seeds - ajwain (optional - use if you have it)
• 1.5-2 tbsp dried pomegranate seeds (anardana - See Note 1)
• 3 tbsp corn flour (makai ka atta) or gram flour (besan)
• 1 lb ground beef (20% fat – not lean)
• 1/2 medium to large red onion (very finely chopped – may use pulse function of food processor for this)
• 2 green onions (scallions) (both white & green parts, finely chopped)
• 2-4 small green chili peppers (such as Thai/Bird's Eye Chili or Serrano) (finely chopped)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (finely chopped or crushed)
• 1/2-3/4 inch ginger (finely chopped or crushed)
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (fresh coriander) (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 egg (whisked)
• 1 small Roma tomato (deseeded and very finely diced – discard excess pulp/juices - See Note 2)
• neutral oil (for frying)
• ground coriander
• cilantro leaves
• lemon wedges (to serve alongside)
• Cilantro/Mint Raita (Yogurt Chutney) (optional - to serve alongside)

Instructions

1. 1

   Toast coriander seeds, cumin seeds and carom seeds. Roughly grind these spices.: Heat a small to medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and carom seeds (if using). Toast, stirring and shaking the skillet often, for 3-4 minutes. The seeds will deepen in color and become highly aromatic. Remove from heat and transfer to a spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle. Add pomegranate seeds to the spice grinder. Pulse to roughly grind 4-5 times (you don’t want a fine powder, but a mix between powder and roughly crushed up seeds).

2. 2

   Toast corn flour in a skillet.: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the corn flour or chickpea flour. Toast until it deepens in color and smells toasty (~4-5 minutes). Turn off the heat and allow to cool.

3. 3

   Ground beef with remaining ingredients in a bowl.: In a medium bowl, add the ground beef along with the remaining ingredients (ground coriander mixture, toasted corn flour, red onion, green onion, green chili pepper, cilantro, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, red chili powder, black pepper, salt, egg, and tomatoes (if using)).

4. 4

   Knead ground beef mixture.: Using gloved hands (try not to use bare hands or the green chili may sting), knead for 3-4 minutes, until you begin to see a lacy, stringy texture (resha) of the meat. (Alternatively, you can use the paddle attachment of a stand mixer and knead on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.) The mixture should be homogenous instead of crumbly. Cover and set aside or refrigerate up to 24 hours.

5. 5

   Heat oil in cast iron skillet.: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add enough oil to generously cover the bottom of the skillet.

6. 6

   Test a small piece for taste.: To test a piece for taste, place a piece of the beef mixture on the pan to cook, turning over as needed. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning if desired.

7. 7

   Using oiled hands, form patties.: Using oiled hands, take around 1/4 cup heaped (~90g) of the meat and form into a hearty round shape.

8. 8

   --- Option 1 - ---

9. 9

   Option 1: Place ball of meat of skillet and press down with spatula.: Place the round ball on the hot cast iron and use the flat part of a sturdy spatula to press it down until it is 4.5 inches in diameter and no more than 1/3-inch/¾-cm thick.

10. 10

    --- Option 2 – ---

11. 11

    Option 2: Form patties and place on skillet.: Use your hands to shape the patties until they’re 4.5 inches in diameter and no more than 1/3-inch/¾-cm thick. Place on hot pan.

12. 12

    Fry kebabs.: Use a spoon or small spatula to flatten and spread (uneven sides add character!). Fry for 1 ½ to 2 minutes on each side, using your spatula or a spoon to push oil on top of the kabab. Do not overcook. You want it crispy and charred on the outside and just cooked on the inside. (Internal temp 160°F/71°C)

13. 13

    Flip kebabs over and continue to fry.: Flip over by lifting the kabab using a large spatula and small spatula to hold it in place (see video!). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. If the mixture is not binding well enough, add 1 tbsp of corn flour or gram flour. Fry remaining kababs, replacing the oil if it starts to darken.

14. 14

    Sprinkle with ground coriander and cilantro. Serve.: Garnish with a sprinkle of ground coriander and cilantro. Serve immediately with mint raita and lemon on the side.