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Kebabs are a popular dish that originated in the Middle East and has since spread all over the world. The history of kebabs can be traced back to the Middle East, where they were first prepared by nomadic tribes who would grill meat on sticks over an open flame. The meat used was usually lamb, as it was abundant and easy to obtain there. The word "kebab" itself comes from the Persian word "kabab," which means "grilled meat."
Over time, kebabs became a popular dish throughout the Middle East, with each region developing its own unique style. For example, in Iran, kebabs are traditionally made with beef or lamb and seasoned with saffron and other spices. In Turkey, kebabs are typically made with lamb or chicken and are often served with spicy yoghurt sauce.
As trade routes opened and people began to travel more, kebabs spread to other parts of the world. In India, for example, kebabs became popular among the Mughal Empire's ruling class and were made with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and goat. In Pakistan, kebabs are often made with ground beef or lamb and served with naan bread and mint chutney.
In the 19th century, kebabs began to gain popularity in Europe, where they were often served in Turkish restaurants. And in the UK, they became a popular late-night snack for partygoers, with the first kebab shop opening in London in the 1960s.
Kebabs are a beloved dish in India, and the Mughals introduced several types of kebabs such as the galouti kebab, kakori kebab, and seekh kebab. These kebabs were made from minced meat and spices that were cooked over an open flame. They were typically served with naan or paratha bread and were enjoyed by the Mughal emperors and their court.
Typically consisting of marinated meat skewered and cooked over a grill or open flame, kebabs take on diverse forms and appeal to people of all ages. With a variety of flavours and cooking methods, there is no shortage of options for kebab lovers. Here are the top 10 kebab varieties to try in India:
Galouti Kebab
Originating in the royal kitchens of Lucknow, galouti kebab is a melt-in-your-mouth dish made with minced lamb or mutton and spices. It is typically served with naan or paratha and is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Lucknow.
Seekh Kebab
Seekh kebab, a popular dish across India, is also made by combining spices with lamb or mutton mince that is moulded onto skewers and cooked over a charcoal fire. It is popular at outdoor barbecues and is often served with green chutney and onions.
Boti Kebab
A boti kebab is a spicy, flavourful kebab made with marinated lamb, mutton, or beef pieces and grilled over a charcoal fire. It is often served with a side of raita and can be found in many North Indian restaurants.
Shami Kebab
Shami kebab is a popular snack in India, made with ground lamb, mutton, or chicken, lentils, and spices. It is shaped into small patties and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is often served with mint chutney and onions.
Reshmi Kebab
Reshmi kebab is a delicious kebab made with marinated chicken breast. Cream, cashew paste, yoghurt, and spices are the main ingredients in the marinade. It is grilled until tender and juicy in a tandoor oven and often served with a side of green chutney.
Hara Bhara Kebab
Hara bhara kebab is a vegetarian kebab made with a mixture of spinach, peas, and potatoes that are blended with spices and formed into patties before being grilled in a clay oven, or tandoor. It is often served as an appetiser or snack and is a favourite among vegetarians.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish that consists of a whole chicken marinated in a mixture of yoghurt and spices and then grilled in a tandoor oven. The result is a flavourful and succulent chicken that is often served with a side of raita.
Tangdi Kebab
Tangdi kebab is a popular kebab made with yoghurt and spices marinating chicken drumsticks, which are grilled until tender and juicy. It is often served with a side of mint chutney and is a must-try dish for any chicken lover.
Afghani Kebab
Afghani kebab is a popular dish in India that is made with marinated chicken or lamb and cooked in a tandoor oven. Boneless pieces of chicken or lamb are left to soak in a mildly spiced yoghurt marinade before being cooked in the clay oven. And it is often served with a side of naan or rice and is a favourite among those who enjoy rich and flavourful dishes.
Fish Tikka
Fish tikka is a popular kebab made with marinated fish in yoghurt and spices and grilled until tender and juicy. It is often served with a side of green chutney and pickled onions, and is a must-try dish for any seafood lover.
In conclusion, kebabs are an integral part of Indian cuisine, and there is no shortage of delicious options to try. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is a kebab dish to suit your taste buds. From the spicy and flavourful galouti kebab to the tender and juicy tandoori chicken, these top 10 kebabs in India are a must-try for anyone visiting or living in the country.
