Chicken Pahadi Kabab is a mouth-watering, aromatic dish that has its roots in Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Known for its fresh green herbs, spices, and yogurt-based marinade, Pahadi Kababs offer a unique combination of flavors that makes them stand out among other grilled chicken dishes. "Pahadi" translates to "of the mountains," and this recipe is said to draw inspiration from the northern mountainous regions of India, where grilling and tandoori-style cooking are prevalent.
In this blog, we’ll explore the complete recipe to prepare Chicken Pahadi Kabab, including details on ingredients, the step-by-step process, and tips to make this dish exceptional. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at something new, this dish will be a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients for Chicken Pahadi Kabab
To make this delectable dish, you will need some fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and tender chicken. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
For the Marinade:
500 grams boneless chicken (thigh or breast pieces, cut into cubes)
1 cup fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
½ cup fresh mint leaves
4-5 green chilies (adjust according to spice tolerance)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
¼ cup thick yogurt (curd)
2 tablespoons fresh cream or malai
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
½ teaspoon garam masala powder
½ teaspoon black pepper powder
½ teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons oil or ghee (for grilling or basting)
For Garnishing:
Chaat masala
Lemon wedges
Onion rings
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chicken Pahadi Kabab
1. Preparing the Chicken
Before you start, wash the boneless chicken cubes thoroughly. Pat them dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial because too much moisture in the chicken can dilute the flavors of the marinade.
2. Making the Green Herb Marinade
The essence of Chicken Pahadi Kabab lies in its vibrant green marinade. To prepare this, take a blender or a food processor and add the following ingredients: coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, and lemon juice. Blend everything into a smooth, thick paste. You can add a tablespoon of water if needed, but try to keep the marinade as thick as possible to help it cling to the chicken.
3. Incorporating Yogurt and Cream
Once you have your herb paste ready, transfer it to a bowl. Now, add the thick yogurt and fresh cream (or malai) into the herb mixture. The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, while the cream gives the kababs a rich and creamy texture. Mix everything well.
4. Adding Spices
Now, it’s time to enhance the flavor with some spices. Add salt, black pepper powder, garam masala powder, and, optionally, chaat masala to the yogurt-herb mixture. These spices add warmth and depth to the kababs, balancing out the freshness of the mint and coriander.
5. Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken cubes into the bowl containing the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours. If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight; this will result in tender, juicy kababs with maximum flavor absorption.
6. Preparing for Grilling
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow even cooking.
7. Grilling the Chicken
You can cook Chicken Pahadi Kababs using an outdoor grill, an oven, or a stovetop grill pan.
For outdoor grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill, baste them with oil or ghee, and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Baste them again midway through grilling to keep the kababs moist.
For oven cooking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the kababs with oil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. Broil the kababs for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a smoky, charred flavor.
For stovetop grilling: Heat a grill pan on medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with oil or butter. Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning them periodically and basting with oil as needed.
Ensure that the chicken is cooked through and develops a slightly charred, golden exterior while remaining juicy on the inside.
8. Final Touches
Once the kababs are done, remove them from the grill or oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle a little chaat masala on top for added tanginess. Garnish the kababs with lemon wedges and onion rings for a burst of freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Pahadi Kabab
Tenderizing the Chicken: Yogurt is essential for tenderizing the chicken. However, if you want to take it a step further, you can add a teaspoon of raw papaya paste to the marinade. This will break down the meat fibers and result in an even more succulent kabab.
Controlling the Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your heat preference. For a milder version, deseed the chilies before blending them with the herbs.
Smoky Flavor: If you want to infuse your kababs with an authentic smoky flavor, you can use the dhungar method. After grilling the kababs, place a small bowl or foil cup in the center of the skewers, add a piece of lit charcoal, and drizzle a few drops of ghee over it. Immediately cover the kababs to trap the smoke. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Pahadi Kababs pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. You can serve them as an appetizer with mint chutney, yogurt dip, and pickled onions. If you’re making a meal out of them, consider serving them with naan, roti, or jeera rice. A side of fresh salad or a light raita will also complement the kababs perfectly, balancing out the rich and spicy flavors.
For a more indulgent meal, serve the kababs alongside biryani or pulao, and enjoy the contrasting flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Pahadi Kababs are relatively healthy, especially if you use lean chicken breast. The fresh herbs provide essential nutrients, while yogurt and cream add a creamy texture without being too calorie-dense. For a lighter version, you can skip the cream and use low-fat yogurt. Grilling the kababs also ensures that they remain low in fat while being packed with protein.
In conclusion, Chicken Pahadi Kabab is a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys flavorful grilled meats. With its aromatic green marinade and succulent, tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. This recipe is simple to follow yet yields restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, a family dinner, or an appetizer for guests, this kabab will elevate your cooking and impress everyone at the table.
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