Keema Patties
Juicy, flavorful minced mutton patties packed with aromatic Indian spices and fresh herbs. These shallow-fried delights are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect as a party appetizer or an evening snack.
For 4 servings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mutton keema, finely chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Mix them together thoroughly. This should take about 5 minutes.
To the keema mixture, add the garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Sprinkle in the roasted besan and pour in the lemon juice. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined, but avoid overworking the mixture to keep the patties tender. This step takes about 3 minutes.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and firms up the mixture, making it easier to shape the patties.
After chilling, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Lightly grease your palms with oil, roll each portion into a smooth ball, and then gently flatten it to form a patty about 1/2-inch thick. This process will take about 7 minutes.
Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place 4-5 patties in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Shallow fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
Gently flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until they are cooked through and evenly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining patties.
Serve the Keema Patties hot, garnished with onion rings and lemon wedges, alongside a side of mint-coriander chutney.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your minced mutton is as dry as possible. Squeeze out any excess water to prevent the patties from becoming soggy and falling apart.
- 2Chilling the mixture is non-negotiable. It helps the patties hold their shape during frying.
- 3For a finer, more melt-in-the-mouth texture similar to Galouti Kebabs, you can briefly pulse the keema mixture in a food processor before shaping.
- 4Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, which can result in greasy, steamed patties instead of crispy ones.
- 5To check if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of the mixture into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is at the right temperature.
- 6Uncooked patties can be frozen. Place them on a tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Substitute
Replace mutton with finely minced chicken, turkey, or lamb. Adjust cooking time accordingly as chicken cooks faster.
Healthier Cooking MethodHealthier Cooking Method
For a lower-fat version, bake the patties at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or cook them in an air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 12-15 minutes.
Binder AlternativeBinder Alternative
If you don't have besan, you can use 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs or 3 tablespoons of powdered roasted chickpeas (sattu) as a binding agent.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Create a vegetarian version using crumbled paneer, mashed potatoes with vegetables, or soya granules as the base instead of mutton.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Mutton is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the mutton, a type that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is essential for forming hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood and helps prevent anemia.
Boosts Immunity
The blend of spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of 3 Keema Patties (approximately 160g) contains around 450-500 calories. The exact number can vary based on the fat content of the mutton and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
