Chicken Kofta Kebab

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground chicken
• 0.5 cup Cornmeal (optional; breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute)
• 1 Egg (optional; beaten)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 0.5 tbsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 Jalapeno
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 1 handful Fresh Cilantro
• 1 White onion (small)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (for pan searing)

Steps

1. 1

   In a food processor, blend the small white onion, handful of fresh cilantro, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, and 1 jalapeno until the mixture is fine.

2. 2

   Drain the excess liquid from the blended vegetable mixture using a fine-mesh sieve or by squeezing it, so it does not add too much moisture to the chicken.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, add the 1 lb ground chicken. Add the drained vegetable mixture, salt, pepper, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1/2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp cumin, the beaten egg, and 1/2 cup cornmeal.

4. 4

   Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

5. 5

   Place the mixture in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to chill. This makes the mixture firmer and easier to shape.

6. 6

   Shape the chilled mixture into kebabs that resemble thick sausages. It may be helpful to lightly wet your hands with water while shaping to prevent sticking.

7. 7

   Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

8. 8

   Add the kebabs to the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary.

9. 9

   Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the kebabs have a golden brown sear and are fully cooked through.

10. 10

    Serve warm in a sandwich, on top of a salad, or with a side of rice.

Notes

Cornmeal helps with the texture and binding; breadcrumbs are a suitable substitute. The chicken mixture can be prepped up to 4 days in advance and kept in the fridge. For an air-fryer version: cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes per side, or 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes total until cooked through. These kebabs can also be frozen; the author recommends shaping them before freezing, then defrosting before cooking.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• chicken
• kebab
• kofta
• pan-seared
• air-fryer
• healthy
• high-protein