Bhutte ki seekh is a unique vegetarian kebab that’s made from grated sweetcorn (bhutta). The sweetcorn is spiced and shaped onto seekh (skewers) before being grilled over a flame until lightly charred, seasoned with fresh coriander, green chilli, crushed spices, and a hint of gram flour. The result is a kebab that’s crisp on the outside, soft and juicy within, and full of corn’s natural sweetness.
It’s served with a side of hari chutney (hari means green) for a refreshing contrast. Unlike heavier vegetarian starters, this kebab is light, fresh, and flavour-packed — something vibrant while still having the smoky satisfaction of tandoori cooking.
Seekh kebabs traditionally hail from Mughlai cuisine, where spiced meat was skewered and grilled over hot coals. Bhutte ki seekh is a more modern, vegetarian version and is believed to have emerged from North Indian kitchens that wanted to bring seasonal vegetables into the kebab repertoire.
Sweetcorn, with its slight crunch and natural sweetness, makes a perfect base. It grills beautifully and holds its shape well, especially when mixed with simple Indian spices. This dish is now a popular vegetarian starter across Indian restaurants, especially during monsoon and festival seasons.
What sets this kebab apart is the use of sweetcorn — an ingredient rarely seen in kebabs — giving it a juicy texture and a burst of gentle sweetness. The seekh is chargrilled over an open flame, so you get a smoky depth without losing freshness.
Unlike paneer or soya-based kebabs, bhutte ki seekh feels lighter, cleaner, and surprisingly moreish. Served with mint chutney and lemon on the side, it’s a perfect balance of grilled and green.
A: It’s mildly spiced — the green chilli adds warmth, but the sweetness of the corn keeps it balanced.
A: Yes, it can be made vegan as it contains no dairy — just check if ghee or butter is used for grilling.
A: It goes best with hari chutney — a mint-coriander dip that’s fresh and zesty.
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