Chapli Kabab (Afghan Spiced Beef Patties)
Local name: چپلی کباب
In short: Flat, crisp-edged beef patties packed with tomato, onion, green chili, coriander seeds and pomegranate, shallow-fried and eaten with flatbread. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 455 kcal
Chapli kabab are flat, ruffled beef patties popular across Afghanistan and the border region, sold hot from large pans at street stalls. Coarsely crushed coriander seeds, tomato, onion, green chili and dried pomegranate seeds give them a juicy, sharp, slightly crunchy bite, and a little fat in the meat keeps the edges crisp. Eat them tucked into warm flatbread with raw onion and a squeeze of lemon.
Instructions
- Put all the patty ingredients in a large bowl and mix by hand for 2 minutes, until the mixture turns sticky and holds together. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Wet your hands and shape the mixture into 8 flat patties about 10 cm (4 in) wide and 1 cm (1/2 in) thick. Press a thumb into the center of each so they cook evenly.
- Heat the oil in a wide heavy pan over medium heat. Fry 3 or 4 patties at a time for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until deep golden and crisp at the edges and cooked through (71°C/160°F).
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges and sliced raw onion, in flatbread if you like.
Tips
- Do not use lean beef. The fat holds the patties together and crisps the edges. If your mix is dry, add a spoonful of the frying oil.
- Seed the tomatoes and chop them small so the mix stays firm. If the patties crack in the pan, mix in another tablespoon of chickpea flour.
Questions and answers
Can I bake or air-fry chapli kabab?
Yes. Air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once. Baking works at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes. They will be less crisp than the pan-fried patties.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Shape and freeze them uncooked between sheets of parchment for up to 2 months, then fry from frozen over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes per side.
How spicy are they?
Medium. The heat comes from the green chilies and chili flakes, so reduce them for a mild version.
How long does it take to make Chapli Kabab (Afghan Spiced Beef Patties)?
About 45 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chapli Kabab (Afghan Spiced Beef Patties)?
About 455 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 10 g of carbohydrates and 33 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 455 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
