INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp chickpea flour
1 Tbsp whole coriander
2 tsp whole cumin
1 lb ground American lamb
2 shallots or 1 small onion, minced
6 garlic cloves, grated
2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 Tbsp minced cilantro, tender stems and leaves
1 green chilli such as jalapeno, serrano, or bird’s eye
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground chilli powder
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 large egg, lightly whisked
A little oil to help grease your hands while shaping the kebabs
Naan for serving, homemade or store-bought
DIRECTIONS
Soak 10 flat bamboo skewers in a container filled with water for 30 minutes. This will prevent the skewers from burning. Line a baking sheet with foil. Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
Roast the chickpea flour, coriander, and cumin in a small dry stainless-steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat until the chickpea flour turns a light toffee brown color and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Quickly transfer the mixture to a cool plate and let cool. Once cool, grind the mixture to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice mill grinder.
Add the ground chickpea flour mixture to the lamb in a large mixing bowl. Fold in the shallots, garlic, ginger, cilantro, green chilli, garam masala, chilli powder, salt, and egg. The mixture does not need to rest but can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for anywhere between 1 hour and overnight.
Remove the skewers from the water and pat with a paper towel to remove excess water. Lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil, making it easier to shape the kebabs. Take about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the ground lamb mixture and shape and wrap the meat along the length of the skewer to form a long cylinder. Press gently. Leave a ½ to ¾ in/12 mm to 2 cm gap on both sides of the skewer. Place the skewers on the lined baking sheet and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Place the sheet with the kebabs in the preheated oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the kebabs turn golden brown, and the internal temperature of the kebab reaches 160F/70C. The kebabs can also be grilled over medium heat on an outdoor grill. Brush the kebabs with a bit of oil before grilling. Turn often during grilling to allow even cooking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and wrapped with foil or plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze covered with foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe airtight container.