Dad's beef kebabs

(Serves 4)

• 500g minced beef
• 1 heaped tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander
• 1 heaped tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 25g fresh root ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 fresh green chillies
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp sunflower oil
• 0 Salt
• 8 skewers

Step 1
Place all of the ingredients, except the oil or water for shaping, in a large bowl, and mix by hand really thoroughly, ensuring all are combined.

Step 2
To check the seasoning, fry a small amount of the mixture until cooked through, taste and adjust if needed.

Step 3
Cover the uncooked mince mixture and refrigerate for 6-8 hours.

Step 4
Meanwhile, ensure the skewers fit inside your griddle pan; square skewers are best, thin round ones may not hold the weight of the mince.

Step 5
Take a ball of mince mixture about 5cm (2 in) in diameter in one hand and a skewer in the other.

Step 6
Make the meatball as smooth as possible by tossing it like a ball in your hand.

Step 7
Positioning the ball at roughly the middle of the skewer, press around it so that the mince covers all around that part of the skewer.

Step 8
Now apply a little oil or water to the palm that you have been using for the mince, and gently press the meat in the form of a sausage on the skewer.

Step 9
The trick is to form a ring between your forefinger and thumb, and use your other fingers to guide the mince; apply a gentle pressure, and push the mince upwards so that the sausage thins itself out over the skewer.

Step 10
Ideally, the size of the sausage should be around 2.5cm (1 in) or a bit less in diameter.

Step 11
Heat a griddle pan while you continue to form the mince into sausages on the skewers, until you have 8 skewers.

Step 12
Cook in the hot griddle pan for approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating the kebabs as they cook.

Step 13
Serve with fresh green chutney and an onion-based salad, and perhaps rolled into a chapati or a flour tortilla to make a wrap.