Hassina Kebab: A Royal Treat from the Heart of India
- Steve Holloway
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
Dive into the rich flavours of North India with Hassina Kebab, a succulent and aromatic delicacy that's sure to enchant your taste buds. Traditionally made with tender minced meat, spices, and herbs, Hassina Kebab is celebrated for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and royal heritage. Today, I’ll guide you through the secrets of crafting these irresistible kebabs at home, bringing a touch of Mughal-era grandeur straight to your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Cuisine -Indian - Kebab - Makes 4 Kebabs
Prep time: 20 minutes (including chopping and mixing);
Cook time: 10–15 minutes (depending on grilling or frying method);
Total time: 30–35 minutes.
Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly
Special equipment - Griddle - BBQ - frying pan
Heat level - Mild - Medium
Nutrition values for Hassina Kebab
For one serving (assuming the recipe makes about 6 kebabs and serves 3-4), each kebab (using lamb, without egg) roughly provides:
Calories: ~160,
Protein: 11g,
Fat: 10g,
Carbohydrates: 5g,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugars: 1g,
Sodium: depends on salt added (~200mg if 1/2 tsp used in total).
Using chicken instead of lamb reduces fat and calories slightly. These values are estimates and can vary based on exact portions, ingredients, and cooking method.
A little History
Hassina Kebabs are a flavourful North Indian kebab variety, believed to have originated in the royal kitchens of Awadh (modern-day Lucknow) or Hyderabad, where kebabs have long been a culinary art form. The name “Hassina” is thought to mean “beautiful” in Urdu, reflecting the kebab’s appealing appearance and delicate blend of spices and fresh herbs. Traditionally made with minced lamb or chicken and aromatic spices, these kebabs exemplify the Mughal influence on Indian cuisine, combining Persian grilling techniques with Indian flavours. Today, Hassina Kebabs are enjoyed across India and abroad, often served as a popular appetizer at festive gatherings and special occasions.
Recipe for Hassina Kebab
Ingredients:
500g minced lamb or chicken
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
2 tbsp gram flour (besan), roasted
1 egg (optional, for binding)
2 tbsp oil or ghee (If shallow frying)
Soaked wooden skewers or metal of you prefer
Flour for dusting
How to make Hassina Kebab
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In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the minced meat with all the ingredients except
oil, kneading until the mixture turns sticky; add more roasted gram flour if it's too wet.
Divide the mixture into equal portions, shape each into short sausage-like kebabs, and carefully insert skewers through the center, dusting your hands with flour if needed to prevent sticking.
For BBQ, preheat your grill until the coals are hot, lightly oil the grate or griddle, and grill the kebabs for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through, handling gently to avoid breaking.
For shallow frying, heat oil or ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat, place kebabs in the pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve hot with Mint raita or Hot dipping sauce, chapatti, and lemon wedges for a delicious finish.
Goes well with:
Frequently asked questions for Hassina Kebab
Can I use chicken instead of lamb for Hassina Kebabs?
Yes, you can substitute minced chicken for lamb; the kebabs will be lighter in flavor and cook a little faster.
What can I use instead of gram flour (besan) for binding?
You can use breadcrumbs or finely ground oats as an alternative to gram flour for binding the mixture.
Can I make these kebabs ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the kebabs and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I prevent kebabs from breaking while grilling?
Ensure the mixture is sticky enough by kneading well and adding enough binder (gram flour or egg). Also, handle the kebabs gently and chill them before grilling for better firmness.
Are these kebabs gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gram flour and avoid breadcrumbs, the recipe is gluten-free.
Can I bake these kebabs instead of frying or grilling?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked and lightly browned.
What are the best dips or accompaniments for Hassina Kebabs?
Green chutney, yogurt dip, onion rings, and lemon wedges are classic accompaniments.
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Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious Hassina Kebab recipe from Stevie’s Curry Magic. Bursting with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, these kebabs are perfect for gatherings or family meals, whether grilled or pan-fried. Serve them hot with your favourite chutneys and sides for an unforgettable taste experience. Thank you for choosing Stevie’s Curry Magic—bringing authentic flavours to your kitchen, one recipe at a time!
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Cheers Steve.
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