Palak Anjeer Kebab
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs made with spinach and paneer, with a sweet surprise of dried figs in the center. A unique and elegant appetizer perfect for parties, they offer a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors.
For 4 servings
Prepare Spinach and Figs
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the washed spinach leaves and blanch for exactly 2 minutes.
- Immediately remove the spinach and plunge it into a bowl of ice-cold water. This stops the cooking process and preserves its vibrant green color.
- Once cooled, take the spinach out and squeeze it very tightly between your palms to remove as much water as possible. This step is crucial for a non-soggy kebab.
- Finely chop the squeezed spinach and set aside.
- Drain the soaked figs and chop them into very small pieces.
Roast Besan and Prepare Kebab Mixture
- In a small, dry pan over low heat, add the besan (gram flour).
- Roast for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously, until it becomes aromatic and changes color slightly. This removes the raw taste. Let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled paneer, chopped figs, and chopped cashews.
- Add the grated ginger, green chilies, roasted besan, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt.
- Gently mix all the ingredients with your hands until they form a cohesive, soft dough. Do not over-knead.
Shape the Kebabs
- Lightly grease your palms with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
- Take one portion and roll it into a smooth ball, then gently flatten it into a round patty (tikki), about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- Repeat for all portions and arrange the shaped kebabs on a plate.
Shallow Fry the Kebabs
- Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet or tawa over medium heat.
- Once the oil is moderately hot, carefully place 4-5 kebabs in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crisp. The kebabs are delicate, so handle them gently with a spatula.
- Flip and fry the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it's also golden brown.
- Remove the cooked kebabs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining kebabs.
Serve
- Serve the Palak Anjeer Kebabs hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside mint chutney or a yogurt dip.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing the spinach completely dry is the most important step to ensure the kebabs hold their shape.
- 2Roasting the besan is essential for a nutty flavor and to remove its raw taste.
- 3If the kebab mixture feels too moist or sticky, add another tablespoon of roasted besan or breadcrumbs to help bind it.
- 4For a firmer texture, you can chill the shaped kebabs in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before frying.
- 5Fry the kebabs on medium heat. High heat will brown the outside too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
- 6These kebabs are delicate. Use two spatulas to flip them gently if needed to prevent breaking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the paneer with 150g of crumbled firm tofu. Ensure the tofu is pressed well to remove excess water.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
To reduce oil, bake the kebabs at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, or cook them in an air fryer until golden and crisp.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the cashews completely or replace them with an equal amount of roasted sunflower or melon seeds for a similar texture.
Different FillingDifferent Filling
Instead of figs, you can use finely chopped dates (khajur), golden raisins (kishmish), or dried apricots for a different sweet note.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron
Spinach is an excellent plant-based source of iron, which is essential for producing hemoglobin, carrying oxygen in the blood, and preventing anemia.
Excellent Source of Calcium
Paneer is packed with calcium and protein, which are vital for maintaining strong bones, healthy teeth, and proper muscle function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of spinach and figs provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Natural Energy Booster
Dried figs are a concentrated source of natural sugars and carbohydrates, offering a quick and healthy energy boost, making these kebabs a great snack.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of three kebabs contains approximately 240-260 calories, depending on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.