Egg Shami Kabab
Crispy, golden patties with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, made from minced meat and chana dal, stuffed with a creamy spiced egg filling. A royal Awadhi delicacy that's perfect for celebratory dinners or special occasions.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~60 min
Soak the chana dal.
Wash the chana dal thoroughly and soak in enough water for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- pressure cook · ~25 min
Pressure cook the meat and dal.
1.Add cubed mutton, soaked chana dal, chopped ginger, garlic cloves, slit green chilies, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, cloves, turmeric powder, and salt to the pressure cooker.2.Pour in 3 cups of water and stir once.3.Close the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 5 whistles.4.Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.TIPEnsure the dal and meat are fully tender. If any water remains, dry-cook on high heat for 2-3 minutes until completely dry. - mix · ~5 min
Grind the kebab mixture.
Once the cooked mixture cools completely, discard the whole spices (cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns). Transfer everything else to a food processor. Add red chili powder and garam masala. Pulse to a smooth, thick paste without adding any water.
TIPThe mixture must be completely dry before grinding, or the kebabs will break while frying. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the egg stuffing.
1.Grate the hard-boiled eggs into a bowl.2.Add chopped onion, chopped green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.3.Mix gently until everything combines into a crumbly filling.TIPDon't over-mix or mash the eggs; keep the texture slightly chunky. - mix · ~2 min
Bind the kebab dough.
Transfer the ground meat mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the beaten egg yolk and mix thoroughly for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, cohesive, and slightly sticky.
TIPIf the mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. - assemble · ~10 min
Shape the stuffed kebabs.
1.Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions.2.Grease your palms with a few drops of oil.3.Flatten one portion on your palm into a disc about 3 inches wide.4.Place a spoonful of egg stuffing in the center.5.Carefully bring the edges together and seal, shaping into a smooth round patty.6.Repeat with remaining mixture and stuffing.TIPKeep your palms lightly oiled to prevent sticking and achieve smooth, crack-free kebabs. - fry · ~16 min
Shallow fry the kebabs.
1.Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.2.Place 4 kebabs in the pan, leaving space between them.3.Fry for 3-4 minutes until the underside turns deep golden and crisp.4.Flip gently with a spatula and fry the other side for another 3-4 minutes.5.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and repeat with the remaining 4 kebabs.TIPKeep the heat at medium. High heat browns the outside before the inside warms through. - serve
Serve hot with mint chutney and sliced onions.
Drain the fried kebabs on paper towels for 30 seconds to remove any excess oil. Arrange on a serving platter with fresh mint chutney, lemon wedges, and onion rings alongside.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Make sure the mutton and chana dal are cooked until very tender; undercooked dal will make the mixture grainy.
- 2Cool the cooked meat-dal mixture completely before grinding to prevent a pasty texture.
- 3If the kebab dough feels too soft to shape, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for easier handling.
- 4Keep your palms lightly oiled while shaping to prevent sticking and ensure smooth, crack-free patties.
- 5Fry the kebabs over medium heat so the inside warms through without burning the crust.
- 6Use a non-stick pan for shallow frying to get an even golden crust with less oil.
- 7For make-ahead, shape the raw kebabs and refrigerate, covered, for up to 8 hours before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken shami
Replace mutton with 500g boneless chicken thighs for a leaner, quicker-cooking version that still stays moist.
air friedAir-fried
Cook the shaped kebabs in an air fryer at 180°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lower-oil alternative with a crisp exterior.
stuffed paneerStuffed paneer
Swap the egg stuffing with crumbled paneer mixed with finely chopped onions, green chilies, and fresh herbs for a vegetarian variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Mutton and chana dal together provide a substantial amount of high-quality protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Good Source of B Vitamins
Eggs contribute B12 and B2, while mutton adds B3 and B6, all essential for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Contains Iron and Zinc
Mutton is a natural source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed, and zinc, which supports immune function.
Digestive-Friendly Spices
Ginger, green cardamom, and cloves found in this recipe aid digestion and may help reduce bloating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must cook raw chana dal separately with the spices until very soft, then grind with the cooked mutton for the correct texture.



