If you’re a fan of Indian street food or love experimenting with vegetarian snacks, then the best veg shammi kabab recipe is a must-try for your kitchen. These delightful kababs are packed with the goodness of lentils, potatoes, and aromatic spices, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.
Perfectly spiced and shallow-fried to golden perfection, veg shammi kababs make a fantastic appetizer or a hearty snack that everyone will enjoy.
Unlike traditional meat-based kababs, this vegetarian version uses wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and offer a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor. Whether you want to impress guests or just crave something savory and satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Plus, they are super versatile and can be paired with chutneys, breads, or salads effortlessly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veg shammi kabab recipe stands out because it balances nutrition, taste, and simplicity. It combines protein-rich lentils with soft potatoes, infused with fresh herbs and warming spices to create a kabab that is crispy outside and soft inside.
It’s gluten-free if you skip the bread crumbs or substitute with gluten-free crumbs, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Another reason to love it? These kababs are made using easily available pantry ingredients and require minimal cooking skills.
They’re perfect for meal prep, can be frozen, and quickly pan-fried when needed. This recipe also offers a great base for creativity—you can enhance it with nuts, seeds, or different spice blends to suit your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked for 2 hours
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp gram flour (besan) or cornflour, for binding
- Bread crumbs, as needed for coating
- Oil, for shallow frying
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Pressure cooker or pot for cooking dal
- Masher or fork for potatoes
- Food processor or hand blender (optional but recommended)
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Plate lined with paper towels
Instructions
- Cook the chana dal: Drain the soaked chana dal and pressure cook it with enough water and a pinch of salt until soft but not mushy (about 3-4 whistles). Alternatively, boil in a pot until tender.
- Prepare the dal mixture: Drain any excess water from the cooked dal. Use a food processor or hand blender to pulse the dal into a coarse paste. Avoid over-blending; some texture is good.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the dal paste, mashed potatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices (garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin powder). Add salt to taste.
- Bind the mixture: Add gram flour gradually and mix well. The mixture should be soft but hold together when shaped. If too wet, add a little more gram flour or some bread crumbs.
- Shape the kababs: Take small portions of the mixture and shape into flat round patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- Coat the kababs: Lightly coat each patty with bread crumbs on both sides. This helps create a crispy crust when frying.
- Heat oil: In a frying pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for shallow frying.
- Fry the kababs: Place the kababs gently in the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the kababs and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your veg shammi kababs with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or plain yogurt.
Tips & Variations
Tip: If you want a smokier flavor, try adding a pinch of chaat masala or smoked paprika to the mixture.
Variation: Add finely chopped nuts like cashews or walnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure your bread crumbs are egg-free.
Freezing: Prepare kababs in advance, freeze them uncooked, and shallow fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to cook time.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 kababs) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney or tangy tamarind chutney for a burst of flavor.
- Pair these kababs with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a light, refreshing side.
- Wrap kababs in soft parathas or flatbreads along with sliced onions and green chutney for a delicious sandwich.
- Accompany with a bowl of Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe for a fusion twist on your meal.
Conclusion
Veg shammi kababs are a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-rich, flavorful snack that is both hearty and wholesome. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with spices and herbs that awaken your taste buds.
Because they are easy to make, versatile, and loved by all ages, these kababs can become your go-to appetizer for family gatherings or an everyday treat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or add your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours.
For more delicious vegetarian recipes, you might enjoy trying the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan versions), or explore the comforting Magic Dough Recipe to complement your meal.
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious veg shammi kababs!
đź“– Recipe Card: Best Veg Shammi Kabab Recipe
Description: A flavorful and protein-packed vegetarian kabab made with lentils and vegetables. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these kababs are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas), soaked for 2 hours
- 1/2 cup boiled green peas
- 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for shallow frying
Instructions
- Drain soaked chana dal and blend coarsely with green peas.
- Transfer to a bowl and add mashed potato, onion, green chilies, ginger, and coriander.
- Mix in garam masala, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Form the mixture into small flat patties.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Shallow fry kababs until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with green chutney.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 20 g
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