Shami kebab
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|
 Shami Kebab | |
| Place of origin | Punjab, Pakistan and India |
|---|---|
| Region or state | South Asia |
| Main ingredients | Mutton, lamb or chicken, Cow Beef, chickpeas and spices |
Shami kebab or Shaami kebab (Punjabi: شامی کباب, Urdu: شامی کباب, Hindi: शामी कबाब), or shami tikka (Urdu: شامی تکہ, Hindi: शामी तिक्का), is a popular local variety of kebab especially in Punjab. It is a part of Indian and Pakistani cuisine. A variation of the Shaami kebab is also found in Bangladeshi cuisine. It is composed of a small patty of minced meat, (usually beef or mutton in India, but occasionally lamb or mutton), with ground chickpeas, egg to hold it together, and spices.
Shami kebabs are an extremely popular snack throughout India and Pakistan. They are often garnished with lemon juice and/or sliced raw onions, and may be eaten with chutney made from mint or coriander. They are also served along with Sheer Khurma during Eid celebrations.
History
The origin of the word Kebab is middle eastern but the Shaami Kebab is one of the many local variants of the Kebab from the Punjab region of Pakistan and India. The word 'shaam' means evening in Hindi-Urdu, and various other North Indian languages. Consequentially 'shaami' means 'of or related to the evening'. As this kebab is notably consumed as a snack in the evenings and in outdoor picnics, it is theorised that this led to the origin of its name.[citation needed]
'Shaami' in Hindi-Urdu also means 'Levantine', or 'Syrian', possibly pointing to the supposed origin of the snack.
The BBC cites a story that the Shami kebab was invented "by a...toothless Nawab of Lucknow". The Nawab was supposedly so fat that he could not ride a horse and had lost all his teeth. He invented a kebab made only of mincemeat which he was able to eat without the benefit of teeth.[1]
Preparation
Shami kababs are boiled or sauteed meat and chick pea lentils (chana daal) with whole hot spices (garam masala, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves bayleaf), whole ginger, whole garlic and some salt to taste until completely tender. Onions, turmeric, chili powder, egg, chopped coriander and mint leaves may be added in preparing kebab. Garam masala powder (ground spices) may be used in place of whole hot spices.
Serving
Shami kebabs may be served with roti along with ketchup, hot sauce, chilli garlic sauce, raita or chutney. Before serving the kebabs it is also common to dip them in a beaten egg mixture and double fry them. They are also commonly eaten in Hyderabad with ordinary rice and/or chapati.
See also
References
- ^ Rick Stein (2013). "Shami kebabs". The BBC: Food Recipes. Retrieved 2013-08-21.
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