Whole30 Shami Kabab

Discover the perfect balance of tradition and nutrition with this Whole30 Shami Kabab recipe—a wholesome twist on the classic South Asian delicacy. These pan-fried patties are made with tender boneless chicken breast, protein-packed chana dal (split chickpeas), and a vibrant blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, creating a flavor profile that’s both hearty and aromatic. Infused with fresh cilantro and a hint of heat from green chili, these kababs are entirely Whole30-compliant, free from grains, dairy, and legumes. Prepped and cooked within just an hour, they’re perfect as a protein-rich snack, appetizer, or part of a healthy meal when paired with a refreshing cucumber salad. Ideal for meal prep, these kababs are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with authentic flavors, all while meeting your clean-eating goals.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams boneless chicken breast
• 100 grams chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 large onion
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 1 inch piece ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 finely chopped green chili
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 2 hours. After soaking, drain the water.

Step 2

In a large pot, add the chicken breast, soaked chana dal, roughly chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, ginger piece, cumin seeds, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, half of the sea salt, and enough water to cover the ingredients.

Step 3

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken and chana dal are cooked and all the water evaporated, about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Remove any excess liquid to ensure the mixture is dry.

Step 5

Transfer the cooled mixture into a food processor, adding fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped green chili, ground black pepper, and the remaining sea salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, dough-like consistency.

Step 6

Divide the mixture into 8 equal parts and shape them into round patties about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 7

Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 8

Transfer onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve hot with a side of cucumber salad or enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1001.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1493.6

Total Fat 54.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 430mg	0%
Sodium 5200.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 93.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.8g	0%
Total Sugars 21.6g
Protein 165.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 292.8mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 3153.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.2%

Protein: 43.2%

Carbs: 24.5%