Awadhi Egg Kebab
Melt-in-your-mouth kebabs from Awadhi cuisine, made with hard-boiled eggs and a delicate blend of aromatic spices. These soft, savory patties are shallow-fried to a perfect golden brown, making for an exquisite appetizer.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Besan
- b.Place a small, dry pan over low-medium heat.
- c.Add the besan (gram flour) and dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes aromatic and changes color slightly. Be careful not to burn it.
- d.Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Eggs and Kebab Mixture
- b.Using the large holes of a box grater, grate the hard-boiled eggs into a large mixing bowl.
- c.To the grated eggs, add the finely chopped onion, ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chillies.
- d.Add the chopped coriander, mint leaves, and all the powdered spices: garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, mace powder, and cardamom powder.
- e.Add the cooled roasted besan, salt, and lemon juice.
- f.Gently mix everything with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing or mashing to maintain some texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Chill and Shape the Kebabs
- b.Cover the bowl with the kebab mixture and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for making the mixture firm and easier to handle.
- c.After chilling, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
- d.Lightly grease your palms with a little ghee or oil. Take one portion and gently shape it into a small, round, flat patty (tikki), about 2 inches in diameter. Repeat for all portions.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow-Fry the Kebabs
- b.Heat ghee in a wide, non-stick pan or tawa over medium heat.
- c.Once the ghee is hot, carefully place 5-6 kebabs in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
- d.Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- e.Very gently flip the kebabs using a thin spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until equally golden and crisp.
- f.Remove the cooked kebabs and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess ghee. Repeat the process for the remaining kebabs.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Awadhi Egg Kebabs immediately while they are hot and crisp.
- c.They pair wonderfully with green mint chutney, pickled onions (lachha pyaz), and lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chilling the mixture before shaping is key to preventing the kebabs from breaking apart while frying.
- 2Roasting the besan is essential to remove its raw taste and add a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- 3These kebabs are very delicate due to the soft texture of eggs. Handle them with care, especially when flipping.
- 4If the mixture feels too moist even after chilling, add another tablespoon of roasted besan to help bind it.
- 5For a richer flavor, use pure ghee for frying, which is traditional in Awadhi cuisine.
- 6Ensure your onions are chopped as finely as possible for a smoother kebab texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Paneer
For a richer and creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the kebab mixture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the heat by adding more finely chopped green chillies or a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder.
Healthier Baked VersionHealthier Baked Version
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the shaped kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with ghee, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Add NutsAdd Nuts
For a crunchy texture, add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped cashews or almonds to the mixture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids. Protein is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining satiety, which can help with weight management.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
This dish is packed with nutrients from its ingredients. Eggs provide Vitamin D, B12, selenium, and choline, which is important for brain health. Spices like turmeric and ginger add their own set of vitamins and minerals.
Beneficial Aromatic Spices
The blend of Awadhi spices not only provides incredible flavor but also health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, while ginger and garlic are known to aid digestion and boost immunity.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Awadhi Egg Kebab, which is approximately 3 pieces, contains around 190-210 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the size of the eggs and the amount of ghee absorbed during frying.