The Festival of Sacrifice, or Eid al-Adha, is a major Islamic holiday observed by Muslims all around the world. One of the highlights of this occasion is the delightful array of traditional dishes shared among family and friends. Among these dishes, Shami Kebab holds a special place. These flavorful kebabs are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a symbol of the joy and togetherness that define Eid al-Adha celebrations. Here, we present an authentic recipe for Shami Kebab, perfect for adding a touch of tradition to your festive table.

Ingredients:

500g boneless beef or mutton, finely minced
1 cup chana dal, 
2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste
2-3 tablespoons cooking oil
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped 
Lemon wedges 

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chana Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal along with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover the dal. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is cooked through and soft. 

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, cooked chana dal, chopped onions, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. 

3. Cook the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a deep pan or skillet. Add enough water to cover the mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes dry and the meat is tender. This may take around 30-40 minutes.

4. Mash and Shape the Kebabs: Once the mixture is cooked and the water has evaporated, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the mixture until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency. Divide the mixture into equal-sized portions and shape them into round patties or kebabs.

5. Fry the Kebabs: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shaped kebabs in the pan. Fry them in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking process for even frying.

Serve: Once the kebabs are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite chutney or dip.