Marination: The Key
The first step towards succulent kebabs is marinating your meat. Whether it's chicken or mutton, marination helps tenderize the protein, infusing it with
flavor. A classic marinade uses yogurt, but feel free to add your favourite spices and herbs. Think of it like a royal treatment for your meat, ensuring it's fit for a king (or queen!).
Veggie Power Boost
Don't underestimate the power of veggies! Adding finely chopped carrots, capsicum, coriander, or mint to your kebab mixture elevates both flavor and texture. This little trick adds a layer of freshness, especially in minced meat kebabs like galouti or seekh. It's a subtle but significant upgrade, just like adding a tadka to your dal!
Binding: Keeping it Together
To keep your kebabs from falling apart, you need a good binding agent. Breadcrumbs, roasted besan, or chana dal are excellent choices, absorbing moisture and holding the mixture together. Eggs can also do the job. It's the glue that brings everything together, ensuring each bite is perfectly formed and delicious, much like a well-knit Indian family.
Chill Before Shaping
Give your kebab mixture a good chill (30-45 minutes) before shaping. This firms it up, making it easier to handle and preventing it from sticking or falling apart during cooking. It's like a brief meditation session for your kebabs, allowing them to center themselves and be ready for their final form.
Shape Like A Pro
Shaping seekh kebabs becomes a breeze with this hack! Brush a plastic sheet with oil, lay a portion of the mixture, and roll it gently. This creates smooth, cylindrical shapes. Remove the plastic, and voila! Perfectly formed kebabs ready for the grill. It's a kitchen trick that even your grandmother would approve of.
Cooking: Keep it Moist
During cooking, prevent kebabs from drying out. Whether grilling or pan-frying, don't overcrowd the skewers. Space them out, and add ghee or butter to retain moisture. It's about that balance of flavor and tenderness. This ensures every bite is a burst of juicy, flavorful goodness – just like a perfectly cooked biryani!
