The Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab is a delicious variation of the traditional seekh kebab, incorporating the richness of cheese to create a mouthwatering treat. Known for its smoky, tender texture and perfect blend of spices, the seekh kebab is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine. This recipe offers a twist by adding cheese to the mix, creating an indulgent experience that is ideal for gatherings, special occasions, or a memorable Iftar Recipe.
In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide to making Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab, along with some variations, tips, and additional suggestions to enhance your kebab-making experience.
What are Seekh Kebabs?
Seekh Kebabs are a type of kebab that is traditionally made by marinating minced meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, with an array of spices. The mixture is then shaped around skewers (also known as kebabs skewers) and grilled or cooked in a tandoor until it reaches perfection. The word “seekh” refers to the skewers used to cook the kebabs, and “kebab” refers to the cooked meat, which is typically tender, juicy, and flavorful.
Seekh kebabs have their origins in the Indian subcontinent and are widely enjoyed throughout South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. They are commonly served as appetizers, snacks, or main courses, and are often paired with naan, rice, or a variety of chutneys.
Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab Recipe
This Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab Recipe is a perfect blend of succulent chicken and melty cheese, providing a unique texture and flavor profile to your kebabs. The addition of cheese makes these kebabs extra moist and tender, offering a luxurious bite with each mouthful. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken (minced)
- 100 grams of cheese (preferably mozzarella or cheddar, grated)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon green chili paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch) or breadcrumbs (for binding)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil (for grilling)
- Wooden or metal kebab skewers (for grilling)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Mince: Start by mincing the boneless chicken pieces. You can either use a food processor or do it by hand, ensuring that the meat is finely minced to avoid chunky pieces. If you’re using store-bought minced chicken, make sure it’s fresh.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced chicken with ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste, cumin powder, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, chopped onions, and coriander leaves. This will form the base of your seekh kebab.
3. Add Cheese and Yogurt: Grate the cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) and add it to the chicken mixture. The cheese will melt and infuse the chicken with a creamy, rich flavor. Next, add the yogurt, which will keep the kebabs moist and tender. You can adjust the amount of yogurt based on the consistency of the mixture.
4. Bind the Mixture: To ensure that the kebab mixture sticks well to the skewers and doesn’t fall apart while grilling, add cornflour or breadcrumbs to the mixture. This will act as a binder, giving the kebabs their desired shape and texture.
5. Shape the Kebabs: Take a portion of the chicken mixture and mold it around the skewers. Use your hands to shape the kebab mixture into cylindrical shapes, ensuring that it’s even and well-formed. If you’re using metal skewers, you may want to grease them lightly to avoid sticking.
6. Marinate the Kebabs: Allow the kebabs to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the kebabs easier to handle during cooking.
7. Grill the Kebabs: Heat your grill, barbecue, or tandoor to medium-high heat. Brush the kebabs with a little oil and place them on the grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kebabs are golden brown and cooked through. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can cook the kebabs in a traditional tandoor or use charcoal for grilling.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the kebabs are done, remove them from the skewers and serve hot with a side of naan or rice. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad or a tangy yogurt-based dip would also complement the flavors perfectly.
Variations and Tips for Perfect Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebabs
While the basic Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab recipe is fantastic on its own, you can always experiment with different ingredients and techniques to customize the kebabs to your taste.
1. Add Fresh Herbs:
Along with coriander leaves, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or basil to enhance the flavor of the kebabs. The combination of mint and chicken is a classic pairing that adds a refreshing touch to the dish.
2. Use Different Cheeses:
While mozzarella and cheddar are common choices, feel free to explore other cheeses like paneer, gouda, or even feta. Each cheese will give a distinct flavor to the kebabs.
3. Spice it Up:
If you enjoy bold flavors, increase the quantity of green chilies, red chili powder, or garam masala. The level of spice can be adjusted according to your preference, making these kebabs as mild or as spicy as you like.
4. Pan-fry Option:
If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-fry the seekh kebabs in a non-stick pan with a little oil or ghee. This method will give you slightly crispy kebabs while still retaining their juicy interior.
5. Chicken Lasagne Variation:
For a fun twist, you can even use the seekh kebab mixture as a filling for lasagna. Layer the chicken cheese seekh kebabs between pasta sheets, add some sauce, and bake it in the oven for a delectable Chicken Lasagne.
Seekh Kebab Recipes for Iftar
The Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab makes for an excellent Iftar recipe. If you’re preparing a meal for Ramadan, seekh kebabs are a great option for their combination of rich flavors and satisfying texture. They are quick to make, and you can prepare them ahead of time, which saves you precious moments during Iftar when you’re eager to break your fast. Pair these kebabs with a refreshing drink like a mint lemonade or rose water sherbet to make your meal complete.
Kebabs Skewers: A Key Element for Perfect Seekh Kebabs
Using the right kebab skewers is essential for making perfect seekh kebabs. The skewers ensure that the meat holds its shape during cooking and allows even heat distribution. You can choose between wooden or metal skewers, but metal skewers are generally preferred for grilling seekh kebabs. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Turkish Kebab: A Delicious Inspiration
If you are a fan of Turkish kebabs, you might find inspiration from their flavors in your seekh kebabs. Turkish kebabs are known for their unique spice blend and methods of cooking. For an added Turkish influence, you can use spices like paprika, cumin, and sumac in your chicken mixture. The Turkish approach often includes grilling the kebabs over open flames, creating a smoky, charred finish that can elevate your Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab experience.
Conclusion
Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebabs are a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, tender kebabs with a twist. With the right spices, fresh ingredients, and cheese, you can create a dish that is bound to impress your guests. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to indulge in a delicious meal, this Iftar Recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations, and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!
Remember, the secret to great seekh kebabs lies in the balance of spices, the quality of the ingredients, and the grilling technique. So gather your kebabs skewers, fire up the grill, and enjoy the best Chicken Cheese Seekh Kebab ever!
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