Vegan Sheekh Kababs

Ingredients

• 1 cup TVP
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tsp vegetable bouillon (optional)
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 4-6 cloves minced garlic + 1 tbsp minced ginger)
• 1-4 minced spicy chili peppers, e.g. serrano, jalapeño, thai chili, finger peppers
• 2 tbsp minced cilantro (stem + leaves)
• 1/4 cup vegan sour cream or vegan plain unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp kasoori methi (optional)
• 1 tsp kashmiri chili
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten
• 6 skewers

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425 ºF and line...: Preheat the oven to 425 ºF and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the skewers in water to soak.

2. 2

   In a large heat safe bowl stir together...: In a large heat safe bowl stir together the dry TVP and the boiling water, along with the bouillon if using. Let sit to hydrate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

3. 3

   Add the onion, garlic, ginger, chilies (add to...: Add the onion, garlic, ginger, chilies (add to taste), cilantro, vegan sour cream or yogurt, oil, and the dry spices. Crush the kasoori methi between your palms to add it (if using). Add 1 tsp of salt and mix everything together. Taste and adjust salt or any other seasoning if needed.

4. 4

   Stir in the wheat gluten and transfer the...: Stir in the wheat gluten and transfer the mixture to a food processor (you can use a mini-food processor in 2-3 batches). Process the mixture until it's ground enough to hold its shape and the gluten has activated and looks stringy.

5. 5

   Divide the mixture into 6 portions (about 1/2...: Divide the mixture into 6 portions (about 1/2 cup mixture per kabab) and shape each portion into an elongated meatball over the skewers. Compress the mixture as much as you can, but it will be more delicate at this point, it firms up as it bakes.

6. 6

   Brush or spray the shaped kababs with oil...: Brush or spray the shaped kababs with oil and place on the parchment lined baking tray. Bake at 425 ºF for 30-35 minutes, rotating once or twice to cook evenly. When done the kababs will feel firm to the touch and the outsides will be crispy. Enjoy!