Chicken Keema

Special equipment

Grill

Ingredients

serves Serves 4, active time 30 minutes, total time 50 minutes

• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed
• 1 pound ground chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons finely grated onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic (about 3 medium cloves)
• 2 teaspoons finely diced thai green chilies (about 2 whole chilies)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 4 wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use
•  
• Type of fire: Direct
• Grill heat: medium-high

Procedures

1. Place cumin and coriander seeds in a cast iron skillet over medium heat and toast until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a spice grinder and grind into a fine powder.
   
2. In a large bowl mix together ground cumin and coriander seeds, chicken, onion, cilantro, garlic, chilies, turmeric, salt, and garam masala until chicken is evenly seasoned.
   
3. Form 1/4 of meat mixture into a skewer-length cylinder on a baking pan or tray. Press skewer into chicken and form meat around stick. Repeat with remaining meat. Place skewered chicken in freezer for 20 minutes while preparing grill.
   
4. Light one chimney full of charcoal. When all charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over entire surface of coal grate. Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. Remove skewers from freezer and carefully transfer to hot grill. Cook until skewers brown all over and are cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a serving tray, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve immediately.