Spicy Jackfruit Kebabs (Kathal Kabab): A Vegan Delight
45 minutes
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About Spicy Jackfruit Kebabs (Kathal Kabab): A Vegan Delight
Craving incredibly flavorful Indian street food but looking for a plant-based option? These Spicy Jackfruit Kebabs (Kathal Kabab) deliver a satisfying vegan twist on a classic, bursting with savory spices and a hint of sweetness.Tender jackfruit and protein-rich chana dal (split chickpeas) mingle with aromatic spices like black cardamom and cardamom, creating a kebab that rivals traditional meat versions in both texture and taste. The sautéed onions add a touch of caramelized sweetness to balance the smoky depth.Perfect as a party appetizer, a light meal, or an evening snack, these easy-to-make kebabs showcase the delicious versatility of jackfruit. Prepare to be amazed!
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Kebabs
For the Spice Blend
- 1 Cardamom Pod black
- 1 Cardamom Pod green
- 2 Peppercorns black, whole
- 1 in Cinnamon Stick
- ½ tsp Chili Powder red
- ¼ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- ¼ tsp Mango Powder amchur, dry
- 1 ½ tsp Salt or to taste
For Assembly & Frying
- 2 Tbsp Breadcrumb
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Add the boiled jackfruit, soaked chana dal, ginger, garlic, green chilies, black cardamom, green cardamom, black peppercorns, and cinnamon stick to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, dry mango powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool completely. This prevents the mixture from becoming too mushy and helps the kebabs hold their shape.
- Transfer the cooled mixture to a blender or food processor. Pulse until a coarse paste forms. Avoid over-processing, as some texture is desirable.
- Transfer the jackfruit mixture to a bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and mix gently until just combined. The breadcrumbs help bind the kebabs and create a crispier exterior.
- Shape the mixture into flat patties of medium thickness. For even cooking, ensure the patties are roughly the same size.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy kebabs.
- Remove the kebabs from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the Spicy Jackfruit Kebabs hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For a smoky, authentic flavor, briefly expose the shaped kababs to the smoke of a piece of hot charcoal in a covered bowl (dhungar method) before pan-frying or grilling.
- If your jackfruit mixture feels too moist to bind, add a tablespoon of roasted besan (gram flour) or breadcrumbs to help hold the kababs together without altering flavor.
- To make these kababs vegan, ensure the oil used for pan-frying is plant-based and skip any dairy-based accompaniments, serving instead with a tangy mint-coriander chutney.
- Prepare the kabab mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate; this not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in even more aromatic kababs.
Expert Tips
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the kababs. Give them enough space to brown properly.
- For extra crispy kababs, try shallow frying them instead of pan-frying.
- Serve these kababs with a variety of dips, such as raita, hummus, or a spicy chili sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover kababs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven until heated through.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.6gSodium: 855mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1g
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This is so tempting! Thank you.
Absolutely mouthwatering! Thanks for sharing.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.
This is exactly what I was looking for!
This looks so tasty! Thank you.