A delectable platter of succulent and juicy kebabs, served with hot roomali roti, freshly cut onions and green chillies. Yes, that’s indeed a foodie’s dream, isn’t it? Many years ago, a typical ‘nashta’ in most Peshawari and Awadhi households looked like this.
While the soft, smoky yet moist kebabs may have made way for healthier alternatives today, the popularity of kebabs remains the same. Kebabs have had their own journey, and each kebab has its own story about the origin, and ways of savouring across generations. Chapli kebab is one such delicacy that has quite an interesting history attached to it.
Made by mincing meat with onion, tomatoes, pomegranate arils, and eggs, chapli kebabs are said to have originated in Peshawar, Pakistan. And that is why they are also known as Peshawari Kebabs. A mainstay in India since the Medieval times, chapli kebabs were coarse and chewy in the pre-Mughal era, but have evolved into a softer and tender delicacy. While most kebabs that we know of - including galouti, tunday or kakori - are a gift of Awadhi kitchens, chapli kebabs are said to be a product of authentic Pashtuni cuisine, which is why it retains a bit of the chewy texture as compared to its Awadhi counterparts.
It’s called chapli kebab for its characteristic flat (chapta in Urdu) look. These kebabs are immensely popular on the streets of Pakistan and neighbouring countries. They sell these flat minced kebabs on a large scale. In India too, the kebabs are popularly sold in northern cities like Delhi and Lucknow.
The fine balance of spices and meat with a charred, slightly smoky texture makes chapli kebab a perfect party snack that is sure to tantalise anyone’s taste buds. And guess what, you can easily make them at home too. All you need is minced meat, mixed with salt and pepper, along with chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander seeds. Make them into round patties and shallow-fry to perfect crisp. You can also grill the kebabs. Pair these kebabs with roomali roti for an authentic experience or with lightly toasted buns and a dip or chutney of your choice to make it a heavenly affair.
Click here for the full recipe of chapli kebabs. Try it at home and share your experience with us.
