Yes! You read it right…these are indeed made from yogurt. When I first had them, it was hard to believe that yogurt could be turned into kebabs (patties). Dahi ke kebab is indeed a very interesting and delectable snack/ appetizer that will bowl over not just your family but also your guests. These delicate kebabs are ideal for parties and will keep your guests guessing about its star ingredient – a rather unassuming and humble ingredient – yogurt!
The yogurt is hung for about four to five hours and when it turns thick enough, it is rolled into patties and shallow fried in a pan. The consistency of the kebab is almost cheese like (not the stringy cheese like) and it will remind you of labne; a shallow fried labne if I may say so.To procure hung curd/ hung yogurt, place a muslin cloth or a cheese-cloth (doubled) over a medium sized pot and pour the yogurt over on it. Join the ends of the cloth and tie into a knot. Hang the yogurt (I usually hang it by the kitchen faucet) and place a pot underneath it to catch the drip. Ideally, hang the cloth in the refrigerator in a similar way to avoid the yogurt from getting sour (it does get sour if it is kept at room temperature for a few hours especially in hot climate). Keep it hung for 4-5 hours, preferably overnight. Squeeze out water, if any still left, by gently squeezing the cloth from near the knot. Remove the drained yogurt from the cloth and it is ready to use.
You will need…
250 grams (1 cup approx) thick hung yogurt 2 tsp slightly roasted Bengal gram powder (besan) (I didn't level the tea spoon but neither was it heaped)¾ tsp roasted cumin powder½ tsp garam masala (mine wasn’t very strong)
½ tsp dry mint powderSalt and pepper to taste
¼ cup bread crumbsA pinch of saltA pinch of garlic powder (optional)A pinch of garam masala ½ tsp finely chopped cilantro (dhaniya patta)
Oil for shallow frying
To serveMint Cilantro Chutney - Suggestion: Add a table spoon of roasted peanuts while making this chutney. It goes very well with these kebabs. Also, leave out the chaat masala since the kebabs have just a wee bit of tangy flavor.
{I could procure 1 cup of yogurt from 3 cups of homemade yogurt. It is very important to ensure that there is virtually no water in the yogurt and it should be a thick mass.After I had drained the yogurt, I let it sit in the refrigerator overnight}
Mix in the first six ingredients together.
Mix in the next five ingredients and keep it aside. Make eight balls of the yogurt mix and using your palms slightly flatten it out pinching the edges if they tend to break. Coat them in bread crumbs. (if it gets difficult to work with the yogurt, grease your hands with a little oil)Heat a non-stick pan or skillet and add a little oil.Place the patties in the hot pan and let them turn golden brown. If need arises, feel free to add a little more oil, one spoon at a time, while frying.The kebabs are delicate so you need to carefully flip them over to brown the other side. Remove the patties on an absorbent paper and serve them hot and crisp with the chutney of your choice. Yields: 8 kebabsNote: If the yogurt becomes difficult to handle while making patties, refrigerate them for a while and then start working with it again.
Note: The kebabs can shaped a day ahead and refrigerated. Just ensure that you cover them them with a cling wrap. Remove them 10 minutes before popping them in to the frying pan.
Note: The thickened yogurt gets pretty rich (even if it is low fat) & I find the kebabs quite filling and for a party starter, 2-3 pieces per person should suffice along with other starter options.
Thanks for visiting and see you soon again!
Vegans can give a try to these Raw Banana KebabsIT IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGING TO HEAR FROM FRIENDS AND READERS. I CAN ALSO BE REACHED AT: easyfoodsmith@gmail.com