Bombay Kebab

Bombay Kebab is a traditional-style small mutton kebab associated with the everyday food culture of old Bombay. These compact, pan-fried kebabs are particularly suited to a hearty breakfast, commonly enjoyed with pav and chai. Recipes for these small kebabs have traditionally varied between households and neighbourhood cooks. This version preserves the characteristic use of roasted spices, kebab chini, abundant onion and wheat flour rather than besan.

🏷️ Category: Breakfast 🌱 Type: Non-Vegetarian ⏱️ Prep: 20 mins 🔥 Cook: 45 mins 🍽️ Serves: 28 Kebabs

Ingredients

For Kebab Masala: 4 tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds; 1 tbsp Kebab Chini (Tailed Pepper); 1 tbsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds); 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds. For Kebab Mixture: 250 gms Mutton Kheema (Minced Mutton); 500 gms Onion, grated; 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste; Green Chillies, finely chopped, to taste; Chilli Flakes, to taste; 1 tbsp Roasted Cumin Powder; 1 tsp Black Salt; 1 tsp Salt; 1 small handful Nimbu Phool (Citric Acid); 1 handful Fresh Coriander, finely chopped; ½ handful Fresh Mint, finely chopped; 80–90 gms Whole-wheat Flour (Atta). For Frying: Oil, as required.

Method / Instructions

1. Prepare Kebab Masala: Dry roast coriander seeds, kebab chini, ajwain and fennel seeds over low heat until fragrant. Cool slightly and roughly crush on a sil-batta. 2. Make Mixture: Combine mutton kheema, grated onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, chilli flakes, roasted cumin powder, black salt, salt, crushed masala, nimbu phool, coriander and mint. 3. Add Atta: Mix in 80–90 gms whole-wheat flour until the mixture becomes cohesive and can hold its shape. 4. Marinate: Sprinkle a few drops of water, mix once more and rest for 30 minutes. 5. Shape: Heat oil over medium to medium-high heat. Lightly wet a plate and shape 30–40 gms portions into small round kebabs. 6. Fry: Fry 7–8 kebabs at a time without overcrowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes, gently loosen from the bottom and turn once or twice until evenly browned and cooked through. 7. Drain: Remove and place in a wire strainer to drain excess oil. Serve hot with pav and chai.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
🔥 Calories	1 Kebab
💪 Protein	75 kcal
🥑 Total Fat	3.5 g
🧈 Saturated Fat	4.5 g
🌾 Carbohydrates	4.5 g
🌱 Dietary Fiber	1.2 g
🍬 Sugars	0.8 g
🧂 Sodium	1.2 g
🍳 Cholesterol	150 mg