Indian Ground Chicken Dishes: A Flavorful Twist

A Symphony of Flavors

Picture this: tender, succulent ground chicken, infused with a medley of Indian spices, wrapped in a delicate pastry and baked to golden perfection. This is the Royal Mughlai Chicken Kebab, a culinary masterpiece that marries the rich traditions of Indian cuisine with the elegance of European pastry-making.

Ingredients:

Image Source: theloveofspice.com

1 pound ground chicken

1 onion, finely chopped

1 green chili, finely chopped

1 inch piece of ginger, grated

10 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

1/4 teaspoon cloves powder

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder

1 tablespoon yogurt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, beaten

Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Preparation:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, onion, green chili, ginger, garlic, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cardamom powder, cloves powder, nutmeg powder, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Kebab: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheet to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut the pastry into squares, each about 4 inches in size.
3. Assemble the Kebab: Place a spoonful of the marinated chicken mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a small parcel. Seal the edges tightly, pressing down to ensure a good seal.
4. Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the kebabs with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place the kebabs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serving Ideas:

Royal Treatment: Serve the kebabs on a bed of saffron rice, garnished with mint leaves and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.

Street Food Style: Wrap the kebabs in warm naan bread with a dollop of tamarind chutney and green chili sauce.

Elegant Appetizer: Serve the kebabs as a sophisticated appetizer, accompanied by a refreshing cucumber raita.

A Fusion of Cultures

The Royal Mughlai Chicken Kebab is a testament to the beautiful fusion of Indian and European culinary traditions. The rich, aromatic flavors of Indian spices blend seamlessly with the delicate, flaky pastry, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Each bite of this exquisite dish is a journey through time and space, transporting you to the opulent courts of the Mughal Empire, where culinary delights were as revered as art and literature. As you savor the flavors, you can’t help but appreciate the harmonious blend of cultures that has given birth to this culinary masterpiece.