Easy Shami Kebab (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

Name: Easy Shami Kebab (Instant Pot and Stovetop)
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp coriander seeds; 2 tsp whole black peppercorns; 2 inch piece cinnamon stick (broken into a couple pieces); 1 small black cardamom; 2 green cardamom pods (seeds removed and pod discarded); 8 whole cloves; 1 tsp toasted or regular cumin seeds; 1.5 lb ground beef ((preferably full-fat)); 1 cup chana dal (yellow split peas) (washed and soaked in hot water for at least 1 hour (up to overnight), then drained); 3/4 cup water for Instant Pot or 4 1/2 cups water for stovetop; 1 medium to large onion (roughly chopped); 8-10 garlic cloves (leave whole - will be crushed later); 1 1/2 inch piece ginger (minced or crushed); 1 medium bay leaf; 1/2-1 tbsp red chili flakes (start with 1/2 tbsp if using store-bought shami kabab masala); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 2- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt - See note 3 (start with 1 1/2 tsp if using store-bought shami kabab masala); 1/2 tsp chaat masala (optional); 1 small onion (coarsely chopped); 1-2 green chili peppers, such as Thai, Serrano, or Indian/finger chili if you can find it ( thinly sliced); 1/2 cup cilantro leaves; 2 tbsp mint leaves; 1 small egg (whisked (optional)); neutral oil (as needed); 1-2 eggs (whisked)

Instructions

Prep:50minCook:30min

Shami kebab are tender, wholesome patties made with beef and chana dal (yellow split peas). This easy, initially dump-and-go recipe uses ground beef and a quick homemade (or store-bought!) Shami Kabab Masala. Makes a large batch to enjoy some now, and freeze the rest for later! Includes instructions for both stovetop and Instant Pot.

Updated at: Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:41:15 GMT