Nadru Ke Kabab Recipe (Lotus Stem Kebabs)
Nadru Ke Kabab is a traditional Kashmiri dish made with lotus stem, mashed potatoes, and a blend of spices. The kababs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a delightful burst of flavors. This recipe pairs wonderfully with paratha or boondi raita for a delicious lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking to try something unique or enjoy a vegetarian alternative to regular kababs, this dish will surely become a favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lotus Stem (Nadru) | 1 (washed and peeled) |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Green Chilies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Potato | 1 (boiled and peeled) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander Powder | 1 tbsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Carom Seeds (Ajwain) | 1/2 tsp (crushed) |
| Fresh Ginger | 1 tsp (grated) |
| Garlic Paste | 1 tsp |
| Sattu Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Fennel Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 lemon (fresh) |
| Bread Crumbs | 1 cup (for coating) |
| Tomatoes | 5 (cut into quarters) |
| Onion | 1 (cut into quarters) |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (seeds removed) |
| Garlic | 7-8 cloves |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece (grated) |
| Cashews | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 2 tbsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tsp |
| Red Chili Powder | To taste (for tempering) |
| Water | As needed |
| Tomato Ketchup | 3 tbsp |
| Tomato Puree | 2 tbsp |
| Milk (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
Preparing the Kababs:
-
Cook the Vegetables: Begin by placing the tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onion, bell pepper, cashews, and 1/4 cup water in a pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook for 3 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
-
Grind the Mixture: Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and allow the mixture to cool. Transfer the cooled ingredients to a mixer grinder and blend into a smooth paste. After grinding, strain the paste and set it aside.
-
Prepare the Kabab Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled potato, lotus stem (Nadru), finely chopped onion, green chilies, salt, coriander powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, carom seeds (ajwain), grated ginger, garlic paste, sattu flour, fennel seeds, and lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly.
-
Shape the Kababs: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval-shaped kababs. If the mixture sticks to your hands, apply a little oil to prevent sticking.
-
Coat the Kababs: Roll each shaped kabab in bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. Once coated, refrigerate the kababs for about 5 minutes to set.
Preparing the Gravy:
- Cook the Gravy: In a pan, heat ghee and add the tomato puree, salt, garam masala powder, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Once the gravy starts to thicken, add the previously prepared onion-cashew mixture, tomato ketchup, and cook for another 5-6 minutes.
Frying the Kababs:
- Fry the Kababs: Heat some oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the kababs in the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Once done, remove the kababs and set them aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Tempering the Gravy:
- Prepare the Tempering: In a small pan, heat some ghee. Add red chili powder and cook for 10 seconds to release its aroma. Remove from heat.
Serving:
-
Assemble the Dish: To serve, place the fried kababs in a serving bowl. Pour the prepared gravy over the kababs and drizzle the tempering on top. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
-
Enjoy: Serve the Nadru Ke Kabab with hot paratha or boondi raita for a perfect Kashmiri-style meal.
Tips for Perfect Nadru Ke Kabab:
- For a crispier texture, ensure the kababs are well-coated with bread crumbs and refrigerate them before frying.
- You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference by modifying the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder.
- If you prefer a smoother gravy, you can blend the gravy ingredients into a fine paste before cooking.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for a special lunch or dinner!
