Afghan Spiced Chicken Kababs

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, wait until the coals are ashed over and glowing.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. 5.
   Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the kababs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure that the chicken is cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the kababs on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven under the broiler.
• Serve the Spiced Chicken Kababs with a side of fragrant saffron rice and a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a complete Afghan meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Afghan Spiced Chicken Kababs hot off the grill, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the kababs. They can be enjoyed as a main course with rice or naan bread, or as part of a larger Afghan feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken kababs on a platter, placing the skewers in a neat row. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve alongside a bowl of yogurt sauce or chutney for dipping.