My earliest Sheekh kebab memory is from my childhood when dad used to drive me to a tiny water front kebab joint which served the tastiest kebabs in town.I don’t think there were any other kebab joints back then,at least none that I knew of. Like it is popularly said, the first impression is always the best. It was a drive in kind of place, where you could park your car right next to the charcoal grill and watch your kebabs and the flaky rotis(flat breads)being made.The delicious aromas, the sizzling sounds and the view of serene water made it all a beautiful experience. Ever since, I have tasted delectable Sheekh kebabs at fancy restaurants in different places,but for me…. those at the water front joint with my dad were by far…. the best.
As I grew up I did try making Sheekh kebabs at home, but then it was a cumbersome process setting up the charcoal grill. To add to the woes,midway through the grilling,the meat would mischievously fall off the skewers (sheekh) right on the hot coals. And grilling them in the oven never gave the results I was expecting.I almost gave up on the idea of making Sheekh kebabs at home until I got to an ultimate,no fuss recipe which can be easily made in a pan and produces the most succulent,flavorful and melt in the mouth kebabs…….after all isn’t that exactly how Sheekh kebabs should be. The best part of the recipe is that you can make the dough, press them on individual wooden skewers and store in the freezer. All you have to do is thaw just as many you want to use.
If you have been hunting for a delicious,tried and tested easy to make Sheekh kebab recipe,you are on the right page. Scroll down to note or print it.
All good dishes have a basic requirement….good quality and fresh ingredients.Meat especially has to be fresh and tender. Even a hint of staleness can ruin the entire recipe. There is a local online store Fish & Meat which delivers a variety of seafood and meats right to your doorstep . They graciously sent me a packet of lamb mince to review. The mince was absolutely fresh,tender,finely cut and neatly packed,just how I wanted for my recipe. If you are in and around Hyderabad,you must check their website. The wide variety of seafood available is quite impressive. The best part is each and every item comes well cleaned and in a variety of cuts.
Sheekh kebabs in a Pan
Ingredients Set 1
- 750 g lamb mince
- 3 onions grated and fried crisp
- salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-2 tsp. red chili powder
- 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp. garam masala powder(3 cloves, 3 cardamoms, 3 cinnamon sticks)
- juice of 1 big or 2 medium lemons
- 2 heaped tbsp. kababchini powder
- 2 inch peel of a raw green papaya blended to a paste
Ingredients Set 2
- 1/2 to 1 cup Roasted split gram(Phule chane/Phutane)powder
- Oil as needed(1/2 to 1 cup)
Method:
- Wash and clean the lamb mince. Leave it in a strainer for half an hour till there is not a drop of water left in it.
- Soak 12-15 wooden skewers in water so that they don’t burn while frying.
- Blitz all the ingredients from set 1 along with the mince.
- Add the roasted gram powder little by little until you form a smooth but firm dough.
- Take a lemon sized ball of dough and press into shape on the wooden skewer.
- Repeat the process until the dough lasts.
- Rest in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Take a flat non-stick pan and put 2 tablespoons oil.
- Place the meat skewers in medium hot oil and turn when they are red at the bottom.
- Flip and fry the other side.
- The frying process should not take more than 5 minutes in all because the papaya skin tenderizes the meat and it takes very little time to cook. If you leave it longer the meat can become tough.
- If you cannot find a raw papaya you can use any other meat tenderizer. Though the taste is best when you use papaya skin.
- Serve with mint chutney, slices of onion, lemon wedges and flaky parathas.
- Enjoy delicious sheekh kebabs with your family.
Wasn’t that easy. Go ahead and surprise your family and friends with this exotic and delicious starter.
Aromas and Flavors from my Kitchen 
Oh my god… moth watering on a new level, these reminds me of “Shish Kafta” I have had in middle-eastern restaurants, love a homey recipe 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to try the same without meat but with potatoes & other veggies !
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s a nice idea. Maybe paneer too. Thanks for stopping by Megala😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
These look so tasty! Love the spices you’ve used. I’ll see if I can get such green papaya, as you got me curious about it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Ronit. If not at a store I am sure you will get one at the local farm.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How clever to pan fry them, and making a batch to freeze, a great recipe and they sound so good 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Petra. They turn out really well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking about kafta too – from a Turkish cooking class. Looks and sounds like a great recipe Ana 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you dear Judi. I have made this several times over now and it turns out beautifully every single time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow MashaAllah delicious mouth watering
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you😊🌸
LikeLike
Yum! Save one for me, please! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I would love to share them with you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Amazed with how simple and easy this recipe is! Cannot wait to try this! Any tips on storing green papaya? I find here in Toronto we get larger sized green papayas and in some recipes you need such a small amount.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We can grind the peel of the green papaya and freeze it. I have done that before and it works👌
LikeLike
Yes please – I’ll be over soon 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh definitely! you are most welcome. I would love to have you over 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dad😊💖
LikeLike
Yum, these look so good!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Antonia😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oooh… It really does sound like it would melt in your mouth. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks dear Teagan. It really does😊 You must try it. Hope you had a nice weekend.
Hugs and Regards💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so kind, Ana — thank you. I’m having physical difficulties (brought on from too many years of work stress), but I’m trying. The warmth of this blogging community helps a lot. 🙂 Hugs right back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
These look so good, I”d be making them right now, at midnight, if I happened to have the ingredients! Lovely share and I like hearing the story, too.
Mollie
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Mollie. You must try them. It is the easiest and tastiest recipe for Sheekh kababs. I am sure you will love it too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
these look absolutely delicious 🙂 I wish i could grab a skewer
LikeLiked by 3 people
Haha! Thanks! I really wish you could😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely Stunning! Loved Tha addition of papaya. Thanks for the share Ana.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much. Papaya works as a tenderiser for that succulent melt in the mouth taste. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ana, I am drooling over those Sheekh kebabs. Your memory of eating them with your dad is so precious! I have memories of special foods with my parents too and nothing I make or eat comes close to that taste.
I will try an make these for sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How are you dear. I have not heard from you in a long time, so am worried. Hope all is well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much dear Sandhya for asking. It means a lot to me. Had some tough time. My father in law was hospitalized and we were all worried. Unfortunately he passed away. He was the pillar of our entire family. A very strong personality and an amazing father. It was a difficult time for everyone of us. Trying to limp back to normalcy with a heavy heart.
Thanks again dear💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sorry to hear about your father in law, Ana. It must be such a difficult time for your family. He will always live in your hearts.
Sending you hugs. Take care dear.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have nominated you for Get To Know Me Tag https://daneelyunus.com/2018/06/26/get-to-know-me-tag/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. It is very kind of you.
LikeLiked by 1 person