Anda Shami: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Pakistani Dish

This dish is utterly delectable and savory, combining traditional flavors in Shami kebabs with the warmth of eggs. Moreover, a rather unique recipe popular in many Pakistani households combines the richness of ground meat, spices, and wholesome goodness in eggs. It is served often as a snack or appetizer; alternatively, it can be enjoyed as a full course. In this article, we will look at the history of Anda Shami, its preparation method, and some tips on how to enjoy it best.

History of Shami Kebabs

Shami kebabs are a very traditional Pakistani and Indian dish, probably dating back to the Mughal era. Primarily made of ground meat (beef or mutton), lentils, and a mix of spices, kebabs were a staple for grand feasts under Mughal rule. Kebabs are known to have soft, rich textures. This is achieved through slow cooking using aromatic spices.

For making Shami kebabs, the lentils are first soaked in water and then boiled together with the meat. The whole mixture is then ground into fine paste, which is made into patties and then shallow fried until golden. They generally serve with mint chutney or yogurt sauce so they come out to be a special party and gathering food.

Concept of Anda Shami

So, Anda Shami is the version of the traditional Shami kebab. It consists of eggs, which provides nutrition and a creamy feel to the spiced minced meat. Anda Shami can be served in multiple ways – as a one-course dish, sandwiched between naan or parathas.

Moreover, this dish is largely taken for breakfast, but also served as a snack in the evening along with chutneys and sauces to be dipped in. Both kids and adults would love this, so a perfect choice for family meals.

Ingredients of Anda Shami

The ingredients needed to make Anda Shami include the following:

For making Shami Kebab

250 grams beef or mutton cut into tiny pieces
50 grams split Bengal gram (chana dal)
1 medium onion, chopped fine
2-3 green chilies, chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt, to taste
Chopped fresh coriander leaves, for garnishing
Oil, for frying
For the Anda Mixture:
3-4 large eggs
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Preparation Method

Step 1:

Prepare the Shami Kebabs

Soaking the Lentils: Soak the chana dal in water for at least 2 hours. This softens the lentils before cooking.

Meat and lentil Cook: Mix chana dal soaked, small pieces of beef or mutton, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt in a big vessel. Add water and boil on medium heat for about 45 minutes until the meat is soft, and lentils are perfectly soft.

Mix: Once the meat and lentils are cooked, let the mixture cool. Then transfer it to a food processor or blender and grind until it forms a smooth paste. In case you need it, add little water to blend it.

Shape the Kebabs: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval patties. Make sure they‘re firm so they hold the shape while frying.

Preparation of Anda Mixture

Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and mix them well. Add salt, black pepper, and chopped coriander leaves (if using) in the eggs and mix.

Step 3:

Cook the Anda Shami

Heat Oil: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You should use just enough oil to shallow fry the kebabs.

Coat and Fry the Kebabs: Dip each kebab shape into the egg mixture so that it gets evenly coated. Gently put the coated kebabs in the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.

Excess Oil Drain: Once cooked, kebab is taken out from the oil and left on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Anda Shami can be served in numerous ways that make it even more versatile:

As a starter: Anda Shami can be served hot with mint chutney or a yogurt dip at parties and gatherings as an excellent starter.

Anda Shami can also be made into a sandwich. Prepare your kebab filling with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauces sandwiched between slices of bread.

With Naan or Parathas: Anda Shami can also be served with fresh naan or parathas, accompanied by a salad and raita for a complete meal.

It’s also a good Breakfast: Anda Shami serves for a great breakfast with the addition of chai.

Some Helpful Hints to Prepare Perfect Anda Shami

Additionally, Quality meat must be used. If there is poor quality of meat, then the whole taste and texture of the kebabs will fail. Choose fresh and soft pieces of meat for proper cooking.

The spicing level can be adjusted according to the person’s convenience. Anda Shami can be prepared milder by just decreasing the proportion of red chili powder and green chilies.

Coat patties in egg mixture properly before frying so that a crispy crust is formed on it.

Anda Shami tastes best when consumed immediately after being fried when hot and crispy.

Nutritional Values

And not only is it delicious, but also very nutritional :

High in Protein:

 Its high protein content is a result of the meat and eggs used for preparing the dish. Therefore, it contributes to the development of muscles and repair work.

Vitamins and Minerals:

The spices, onions, and fresh herbs add vitamins and minerals to the dish, hence it proves nutritious for the body.

Filling:

 This dish is very filling, and due to its heaviness, one is energized all day long.
Anda Shami is very tasty with abundant flavor from Pakistani cooking. The dish doesn’t just show the traditional Shami kebab but adds an excellent twist when you add eggs, making it perfect for any meal.

Whether it is a family gathering, a festive occasion, or just a homey meal, Anda Shami is sure to impress with its richness and heartiness. This easy recipe, along with some simple tips, will surely come up with a dish that would be really delectable and sure to bring out the best of Pakistani cuisine. So, enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of Anda Shami and share it with your loved ones for a truly memorable dining experience.