Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll

Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving.

Prep: 1 hr 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 25 min

Cost: $17.54 total, $4.39 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup Soybeans (soaked overnight, drained)
  • 0.5 cup Chickpea Dal (Bengal gram) (soaked overnight, drained)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for chapati dough)
  • 0.25 cup Milk Powder (dry) (adds softness to chapatis)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (plain table salt)
  • 1 tsp Refined Oil (for dough, plus extra for cooking)
  • 0.5 cup Warm Water (lukewarm, not hot)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (dry roasted)
  • 4 pieces Cloves (whole, dry roasted)
  • 2 tbsp Coriander Powder (dry) (ground, roasted)
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) (adds tanginess)
  • 1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (dry roasted cumin, ground)
  • 0.25 cup Besan (Gram Flour) (binds kebab batter)
  • 1.5 cup Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Garlic (minced)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Corn Flour (optional, to thicken thin batter)
  • 2 cup Vegetable Oil (for deep frying, heat to 180°C)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Ketchup (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Sauce (mix with ketchup)
  • 0.25 cup Cucumber (finely diced)
  • 0.25 cup Tomato (finely diced)
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 0.5 tsp Chaat Masala (sprinkle on assembled roll)
  • 0.25 tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional heat)

Instructions

  1. Soak Legumes

    Rinse ½ cup dry soybeans and ½ cup chickpea dal, then soak them together in plenty of water overnight (at least 8‑10 hours). Drain and set aside.

    Time: PT0M

  2. Blend Legume Batter

    Place the drained soybeans and chickpeas in a blender, add a splash of water (just enough to help blending), and pulse until you obtain a coarse, slightly grainy batter. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Chapati Dough

    In a separate bowl combine 1 cup all‑purpose flour, ¼ cup dry milk powder, ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp refined oil. Gradually add ½ cup warm water while mixing until a soft, non‑sticky dough forms. Knead for 2‑3 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Rest Dough

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This relaxes the gluten and makes the chapatis extra soft.

    Time: PT30M

  5. Roll and Cook Chapatis

    Divide the rested dough into 8 equal balls (≈75 g each). On a lightly floured surface roll each ball into a very thin circle (≈12‑15 cm diameter). Heat a tawa over medium‑high heat; place a chapati, cook 30‑40 seconds, flip, cook another 30 seconds, then press gently with a cloth‑wrapped spatula to puff. Keep cooked chapatis covered in a clean towel to stay soft.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 190°C

  6. Make Shami Masala

    In a small pan dry‑roast 1 tsp cumin seeds, 4‑5 cloves, 2 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp amchur, and 1 tsp roasted cumin powder for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Prepare Kebab Batter

    To the legume batter add the roasted masala, ¼ cup besan, 1.5 cups finely chopped onion, 2 tbsp minced garlic, ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander, and salt to taste. Mix well. If the batter feels too thin, stir in 1 tbsp corn flour; if too thick, add a teaspoon of water.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Shape and Fry Kebabs

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 180°C (oil should shimmer). Using a spoon, drop small portions of batter (≈30 g) into the oil, flatten gently with the back of the spoon to form thin patties. Fry 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Prepare Tangy Sauce

    In a small bowl mix 2 tbsp tomato ketchup, 2 tbsp tomato sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, a pinch of chaat masala and red chili flakes. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Assemble the Rolls

    Lay a warm chapati on a clean surface, spread a thin layer of the tangy sauce, place 2‑3 kebabs in the centre, top with a spoonful each of diced cucumber and tomato, drizzle a little extra sauce, sprinkle a pinch of chaat masala and red chili flakes, then roll tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Serve or Store

    Serve the rolls immediately, or let them cool and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 7 days; reheat kebabs in a hot pan before assembling if stored.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
40 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, High‑protein, Contains gluten

Allergens: Soy, Wheat, Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll

A protein‑packed vegetarian take on the classic Indian shami kebab, made from soaked soybeans and chickpeas, rolled in ultra‑soft chapatis and served with a tangy tomato‑ketchup sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
53m
Prep
50m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.54
Total cost
$4.39
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking soybeans and chickpeas overnight
  • Achieving the right batter consistency (neither too thin nor too thick)
  • Rolling chapatis ultra‑thin without tearing
  • Maintaining oil temperature at ~180°C for crisp kebabs

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care; use a splatter guard if available
  • Do not leave the oil unattended while heating
  • Allow the deep‑fried kebabs to cool before handling

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll in Indian cuisine?

A

Shami kebab originated in the Mughal courts as a protein‑rich snack made with meat; the vegetarian version using soybeans and chickpeas emerged as a nutritious alternative for fasting days and for vegetarians in North India. Rolling the kebabs in soft chapatis blends the kebab tradition with the everyday Indian flatbread, creating a portable street‑food style snack.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Shami Kebab in Indian cuisine?

A

In Lucknow (Awadhi) the kebabs are finely minced and often include ground meat; in Punjab they are coarser and may include lentils; in Gujarat a sweeter version uses a touch of jaggery. The vegetarian version varies by region—some add paneer, others use lentils or peanuts for texture.

cultural
Q

How is Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll traditionally served in North Indian households?

A

Traditionally the kebabs are served hot with green chutney, tamarind sauce, or a simple yogurt‑mint dip, accompanied by sliced onions and lemon wedges. When rolled in chapatis, they are often presented as a snack for tea time or as part of a larger thali.

cultural
Q

During which Indian festivals or celebrations is Shami Kebab commonly prepared?

A

Shami kebabs are popular during Ramadan Iftar, Eid gatherings, and during festive occasions like Diwali and wedding receptions, especially when a vegetarian menu is required.

cultural
Q

What makes Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

The combination of protein‑dense soy‑chickpea kebabs with a soft, rumali‑style chapati creates a textural contrast—crisp kebab inside a melt‑in‑your‑mouth flatbread—making it both filling and portable, a modern twist on a classic street snack.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll?

A

Common errors include over‑blending the legume batter (making it too smooth), under‑resting the chapati dough (resulting in tough rotis), and frying kebabs in oil that isn’t hot enough, which leads to soggy, hard patties.

technical
Q

Why does this Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll recipe use milk powder in the chapati dough?

A

Milk powder adds extra protein and lactose sugars that caramelize slightly during cooking, giving the chapatis a softer, richer texture compared to plain flour dough.

technical
Q

Can I make the Vegetarian Shami Kebab Roll ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the kebab batter and fry the patties a day ahead; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the chapatis wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. Assemble the rolls just before serving or reheat the kebabs briefly in a hot pan.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when frying the shami kebabs?

A

The kebabs should be golden‑brown on the outside, crisp to the touch, and slightly puffed. Inside they should remain moist and crumbly, not dry or chalky.

technical
Q

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying the kebabs?

A

When a small drop of batter sizzles and rises to the surface within 2‑3 seconds, the oil is around 180°C and ready. If the batter browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it sinks and stays pale, the oil is too cool.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on home‑cooked Indian recipes, especially vegetarian adaptations of classic dishes, with step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize technique and practical kitchen tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown prioritizes ingredient accessibility, using pantry staples and simple equipment, and often demonstrates make‑ahead and storage methods, whereas many other channels focus on restaurant‑style plating or complex techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Laminated Japanese Milk Bread (Soft Butter Roll)
222

Laminated Japanese Milk Bread (Soft Butter Roll)

A soft, fluffy Japanese‑style milk bread with buttery, flaky layers created by a simple lamination process. The dough is enriched with milk, butter, and egg, then folded around a cold butter block multiple times, chilled, proofed, and baked to a golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches or enjoying plain.

15 hrs 12 minServes 8$82
Japanese
Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnamon Rolls Italian Style by Cooker Girl & Giulia)
64

Cinnamon Rolls (Cinnamon Rolls Italian Style by Cooker Girl & Giulia)

Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls made from scratch, filled with a rich cinnamon-butter-sugar mixture, and finished with a tangy yogurt glaze. This recipe is adapted from an Italian home kitchen, with all the tips and tricks for perfect results, even if you’re new to baking yeasted doughs.

3 hrs 50 minServes 12$9
American (with Italian home baking influence)
Chewy Kaiser Rolls
48

Chewy Kaiser Rolls

Learn how to make perfectly chewy, soft Kaiser rolls at home without a mixer. This step‑by‑step guide walks you through mixing, three stretch‑and‑folds, a gentle rise, shaping, scoring, and baking with steam for a golden, fluffy roll that’s ideal for sandwiches or as a side.

1 hr 20 minServes 9$1
German
Angelo's Copycat Sub Roll
496

Angelo's Copycat Sub Roll

A faithful homemade recreation of the legendary soft‑and‑crisp Italian sub roll from Angelo's 9th Street South Philly. Light, airy, with a crunchy crust and a tender crumb—perfect for cheesesteaks, hoagies, or any sandwich.

3 hrs 38 minServes 4$101
American
The BEST Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
114

The BEST Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Fluffy, buttery homemade cinnamon rolls with a sweet cream cheese glaze. This step‑by‑step recipe from Preppy Kitchen walks you through warming the milk, activating active‑dry yeast, making a soft yeasted dough, a rich cinnamon‑brown‑sugar filling, and a luscious cream‑cheese icing. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.

4 hrs 24 minServes 8$5
American
Galouti Kebab है, Shami Kebab नहीं 😎
3

Galouti Kebab है, Shami Kebab नहीं 😎

Delicate, melt‑in‑the‑mouth Guloti Kababs are soft, non‑shaped kebabs cooked in a non‑stick pan without ghee. The gentle cooking method keeps them tender and prevents them from breaking apart, making them perfect as an appetizer or snack.

57 minServes 4$10
Indian