Jimikand ke Kebab Recipe (Yam Kebabs)
These delightful Jimikand ke Kebab (also known as Yam Kebabs) are a popular appetizer from the royal city of Lucknow. With a rich blend of aromatic spices and the earthy goodness of elephant yam, these kebabs are a perfect treat for vegetarians and anyone looking to indulge in something both tasty and healthy. The crispy exterior and the soft, flavorful interior make these kebabs absolutely irresistible. Pair them with green chutney or a tangy dip for an extra burst of flavor.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Lucknowi
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elephant yam (Suran/Senai/Ratalu) | 350 grams (boiled and mashed) |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | 5 sprigs |
| Green chili | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, chopped |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Chaat masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole wheat bread crumbs | As required for coating |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Flavor Base
Start by gathering all your ingredients. A food processor will make this recipe quicker, but you can also chop everything manually if preferred. Begin by adding the coriander leaves, green chili, ginger, and garlic into the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but well-blended.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the boiled and mashed elephant yam (Jimikand) into the bowl along with the finely chopped onion, cumin powder, chaat masala, and black peppercorns. Add the gram flour (besan) to help bind everything together. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt or spice if necessary.
Step 3: Shaping the Kebabs
Now it’s time to shape the kebabs. To avoid the mixture sticking to your hands, take a small bowl with a tablespoon of oil and lightly grease your palms and fingers. This will allow you to shape the kebab dough into smooth, round discs. Once you have shaped each kebab, roll them gently in whole wheat bread crumbs to coat them evenly. This will give the kebabs their crispy crust when fried.
Step 4: Cooking the Kebabs
Next, heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with oil. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the shaped kebabs on it. Drizzle a little more oil over them to help them crisp up. Cook the kebabs, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Repeat the process with the remaining kebabs, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Step 5: Serving the Kebabs
Once the Jimikand ke Kebabs are cooked to perfection, serve them immediately with a side of tangy green chutney or a dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy these delectable vegetarian delights as an appetizer at your next gathering, or simply treat yourself to a flavorful snack.
Tips:
- Mashed Yam: Ensure that the elephant yam is properly boiled and mashed without any lumps, as this will help the kebabs hold together better.
- Spice Adjustments: You can adjust the amount of green chili and chaat masala according to your spice preference.
- Bread Crumbs: For an even crispier coating, you can also use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular whole wheat crumbs.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you prefer a healthier option, these kebabs can also be baked in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the kebabs on a baking tray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
These Jimikand ke Kebab are the perfect mix of flavors and textures, making them an ideal addition to any vegetarian menu. The Lucknowi-inspired spices bring out the best in the yam, offering a unique and satisfying treat.
