For Navratri: Crispy Paneer Kebabs For Fasting Days
35 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
14
Ingredients
Veg + Dairy
Diet
Vrat-friendly foods need not be boring, and if you are craving something juicy like seekh kebabs, there is a way to make fasting-friendly versions. Seekh kebabs are traditionally a spiced minced meat preparation cooked on skewers over high heat. This version replaces meat with fresh and soft homemade paneer and uses only vrat-approved ingredients: sendha namak instead of table salt, samak rice flour as the binding agent, and pure ghee for shallow frying. You get a snack that is both festival-ready and genuinely delicious.
The key to a perfect vrat-friendly seekh kebabs lies in the paneer. Freshly made paneer, kneaded smooth and combined with well-drained hung curd, gives the kebabs a soft, cohesive texture that holds well on the skewer. The warmth of cardamom powder and cumin, along with the fresh flavours from coriander and green chillies, ensures the kebabs are fragrant and well-seasoned – all within the boundaries of vrat cuisine. A one-hour freeze before frying firms the mixture of this seekh kebab too well.
These vrat-friendly seekh kebabs are ideal for Navratri, Ekadashi, Mahashivratri, or any fasting day when you want something special on the table. They pair well with a refreshing mint-coriander chutney made with sendha namak, or a simple yoghurt dip. Make a larger batch and freeze the uncooked kebabs; they go from freezer to pan in minutes, making them one of the most practical fasting dishes you can prepare.
Bring 1 litre of milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once it reaches a full boil, lower the heat and gradually add the lemon juice or vinegar, stirring gently. The milk will begin to curdle – the curds will separate from the yellowish whey. Once fully separated, remove from heat. Line a colander with a muslin cloth and pour the curdled milk through it. Rinse under cold running water to remove the acidic taste. Gather the cloth, twist, and hang it for 30-60 minutes to drain excess whey. Press lightly with a flat weight and refrigerate until firm. Bring to room temperature before using in the recipe.
Description - Step 2
Knead and mix the dough
Crumble the fresh paneer onto a clean surface or into a large bowl. Knead vigorously with the heel of your palm for 5-7 minutes until completely smooth and soft. Add the hung curd and mix until fully incorporated. Add the sendha namak, black pepper, cardamom powder, and cumin powder. Mix thoroughly. Fold in the chopped green chillies and fresh coriander.
Description - Step 3
Bind with samak flour
Add the samak rice flour one tablespoon at a time, kneading after each addition. You are looking for a soft, pliable dough that is not sticky and holds its shape when rolled.
Description - Step 4
Shape and freeze
Lightly grease your palms with ghee. Take a portion of the mixture (roughly the size of a golf ball) and press it firmly around a wooden skewer, shaping it into a long, cylindrical seekh kebab. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Lay the shaped kebabs on a tray lined with baking paper and place in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up.
Description - Step 5
Shallow fry
Heat ghee generously in a wide, flat pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is shimmering, slide the chilled kebabs into the pan. Fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs, until golden brown and crisp all over.
Absolutely. Shape the mixture into flat tikkis or small cylinders instead. They fry just as well and are easier to handle without skewers.
The most likely reason is insufficient kneading of the paneer or not enough freezing time. Make sure the paneer is completely smooth before mixing, and do not skip the 1-hour freeze, for it is what holds the kebab together in the pan.
Yes. Brush or spray with ghee and bake at 200°C for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway, until golden. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Yes, though homemade paneer tends to be softer and binds better. If using store-bought, grate it finely before kneading to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
The shaped, unfired kebabs can be frozen (on a tray, then transferred to a bag) for up to 2 weeks. Fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.