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Meat, South and Southeast Asian

Chapli kebabs with naan and cucumber salad

Chapli kebabs are spiced ground beef patties from Peshawar, pan fried until the edges turn crisp and lacy. This recipe serves 4, takes 40 minutes, is rated easy, and costs about €3.20 per serving. The trick is flattening the patties thin and pressing them firmly in the pan for that crispy edge.

Tonight, chapli kebabs from Peshawar, spiced pan fried beef patties, with warm naan and a fresh cucumber salad.

Chapli kebabs with naan and cucumber salad
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.20
Calories per person
540 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer, Spring, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

A chapli kebab is a well spiced ground beef patty, flavored with coriander, cumin and chili, pan fried until the edges turn lacy and crisp. The inside stays soft and a little juicy, thanks to fresh tomato mixed right into the patty. It's a hearty dish, meant to be eaten with your hands, wrapped in a piece of warm naan.

This is a great weeknight dinner when you want something different without much fuss, flavorful enough to impress but quick enough for a busy evening. Kids usually enjoy building their own naan wrap, and you can adjust the chili to everyone's taste. Mon Chou brings you this simple version, true to the spirit of Peshawar.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Ground beef 600 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onion 1
  • Tomato 2
  • Fresh cilantro 6 sprigs
  • Green chili 1
  • Cucumber 1
  • Pomegranate 1
  • Lemon 1

Dairy

  • Egg 1

Pantry

  • Cornmealoften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Crushed coriander seedsoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Ground cuminoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Chili powderoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Bakery

  • Plain naan breads 4

Allergens Gluten, Lactose, Eggs

The step by step recipe

  1. Mix the ground beef with the very finely chopped onion, one tomato cut into small dice, the cilantro, chili, egg, cornmeal, spices and salt.

    Knead the mixture well with your hands, it becomes sticky and the patties hold together better.

  2. Shape eight wide, flat patties, about one centimeter thick.

    Wet your hands before shaping, the meat won't stick.

  3. Cook the patties in a hot pan with the oil, four minutes on each side. 10 min

    Press down on them with a spatula for good contact with the pan and an even crust.

  4. Cut the cucumber and the other tomato into dice, add pomegranate seeds, lemon juice and salt, then toss together.

    Pomegranate adds a touch of brightness, without it some red onion works just as well.

  5. Warm up the naan and serve it with the kebabs and the salad.

    Wrap a patty in a piece of naan with some salad, that's how it's traditionally eaten.

Our tips to get it right

  • Let the meat mixture rest for ten minutes before shaping the patties, the spices spread through the beef more evenly.
  • Flip the patties only once, they hold their crust better than if you keep turning them.
  • If your pan is small, cook the patties in two batches instead of crowding them, they brown better with room to breathe.

The variations

  • Swap the ground beef for ground lamb for a stronger flavor, closer to some traditional versions.
  • For a vegetarian version, use cooked red lentils, well drained, mixed with a bit of breadcrumbs to help the patties hold together.
  • For kids, skip the green chili and cut the chili powder in half, the patties stay flavorful without the heat.

What to serve it with

  • Plain basmati rice
  • Mint chutney
  • Spiced black tea

Storage

Cooked patties keep for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. You can freeze the raw mixture, shaped into patties, for up to 2 months. Reheat the patties in a pan over low heat so they stay crisp.

Questions about this dish

Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?

Yes, mix it the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Shape the patties right before cooking so they hold together well.

What can I use instead of cornmeal?

Fine breadcrumbs or regular flour work just as well in the same amount. It mainly helps bind the mixture and keep the patties together while cooking.

Do chapli kebabs freeze well?

Yes, shape the raw patties and freeze them separated by parchment paper. Thaw them in the fridge before pan frying.

What if I don't have pomegranate?

Replace the pomegranate seeds with a bit of finely chopped red onion in the salad. The flavor changes slightly but the salad stays fresh.

How long does it take to make chapli kebabs with naan and a cucumber salad?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in chapli kebabs with naan and a cucumber salad?

About 540 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does chapli kebabs with naan and a cucumber salad cost?

About €3.20 per serving, or €12.80 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, lactose, eggs. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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