The tender and succulent mutton pieces cooked in mustard oil makes it one of the most hearty meals . Enjoy this curry with steamed rice to experience the flavours from bihar.

Bihari Mutton Curry

June 7, 2020 Leave a comment

Adversity makes a person or breaks them. My dearest friend pallavi’s life has been a roller coaster ride but the way she has emerged victorious needs all the appreciation and acknowledgement. Today she is a successful entrepreneur and runs a very popular catering business named ” Taazi Rasoi ” in Mumbai that has been serving lip smacking bihari mutton curry and in spite of all the other food influences in the city her signature dish has marked its presence in the food world. She has gracefully shared her secretive recipe and am indeed very grateful to her for the same. The tender and succulent mutton pieces cooked in mustard oil makes it one of the most hearty meals . Enjoy this curry with steamed rice to experience the flavours from bihar.

Ingredients

Mutton : 1 kg

Onion : 400 gms

Bay leaf : 3 to 4

Turmeric powder : 1 tsp

Red chilli powder : 2 tsp

Mustard oil : 4 tsp

Salt : as per taste

Garam masala powder : 1 tsp

For the masala paste

Coriander seed : 3 tsp

Cumin seeds : 2 tsp

Pepper corn : 1 tsp

Ginger : 1 inch

Garlic : 40 gms

Step 1

In a blender jar make a smooth paste with ginger, garlic, corriander seeds, cumin seeds and pepper corn with approximately 2 tsp of water.

Step 2
Marinate the mutton with oil, bay leaf, turmeric powder, salt and onion.

Step 3

Pressure cook the mutton for just one whistle.

Step 4

Release the pressure and add the ground masala paste along with red chilli powder. Nicely bhuno the mutton along with masala until the masala blends with the masala and oil leaves the side of the pan.

Step 5

Now add a glass full of water and further pressure cook on medium flame for about fifteen minutes or until the mutton becomes tender. Finally sprinkle the garam masala powder.

Step 6

Enjoy the luscious mutton curry with plain steamed rice or Roti.

Tip

The unbeatable pungent flavour of mustard oil gives the bihari mutton curry it’s distinct taste.

Keema kaleji

May 16, 2020 2 Comments

My mother is a cookbook of simple yet delicious food. She turned seventy five this April and we had planned a grand birthday party but nothing worked out because of the lockdown due to Covid19. Since, left with no other choice to convey my love and respect towards her, I thought of dedicating this blog to my dearest mom who has been a consistent guide in my culinary journey. This is indeed our way to convey it that we are blessed with your presence and influence and pray to the almighty for your well being. This Keema kaleji is cooked by her for the blog. It is a very basic recipe with mutton Keema and liver chunk and few simple masalas that is easily available in any Indian household. You may simply accompany the Keema kaleji with any Indian bread or even plain rice.

Ingredients

Mutton Keema :250 gms

Liver chunk : 250 gms

Onion: 3 to 4

Ginger paste: 2 tsp

Garlic paste:1 tsp

Bay leaf: 3

Green cardamom: 4

Black cardamom: 2

Cinnamon stick: 1

Turmeric powder: 1 tsp

Red chilli powder: 1 tsp

Corriander powder: 2 tsp

Garam masala powder: 1 tsp

Curd: 100 gms

Mustard oil: 4 tsp

Salt : as per taste

Step 1

Heat oil in a pan and add the whole garam masala along with bay leaf.

Step 2

Once they crackle add the sliced onions and saute it until they get caramelized.

Step 3

Next add the ginger garlic paste along with the dry masala and saut it until the oil leaves the side of the pan.

Step 4

Put the Keema kaleji along with curd and saute it . Fry it till the masala and the keema comes together and the raw smell goes away . Then add two cups of water and cover it and let it cook on low flame for about ten minutes.

Step 5

Enjoy the Keema kaleji with roti, paratha or plain rice.

Tip

One can keep the consistency as per their taste

Mewe ka gosht ( मेवे का गोश्त )

March 1, 2020November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

Holi in my native state Bihar is all about vibrant colours and delightful food. We play a lot with colour and eat even more. Right from traditional pua and dahi bara to the scrumptious mutton and puri …….. Holi has all the essence of fun and frolic. Let’s make this Holi even more colourful with yet another incredible recipe from my dearest aunts ( Mrs Uma Sahay) culinary treasure. She has been kind enough to pass on this recipe with a promise that hopefully I would do full justice to her recipe. Thanks chachi for inspiring me towards this incredible culinary journey. Try this unique recipe step by step and in her words ” dekh maaza.”

Ingredients

For marination

Mutton : 1 kg

Onion : ½ kg cut into roundle

Grated ginger : 2 tsp

Bay leaf : 6

Cinnamon : 1

Black cardamom : 1

Green cardamom : 2

Oil : 4 tsp

Ghee : 2 tsp

Salt : as required

Dry fruit Paste

Cashew nuts : 6 piece

Almonds : 6 piece

Pistachio : 8 piece

Khus khus : 2 tsp

Ghee : 1 tsp

Garam masala paste

Cinnamon : 1

Black cardamom : 1

Green cardamom : 2

Clove : 4

Black pepper : 5 to 6

Mace ( javitri) : ¼ tsp

Nutmeg ( jaifal ) : 1

Saffron : 10 to 12 string soaked in 4 tsp warm milk

Step 1Marinate the mutton and keep it aside for at least an hour. In a thick bottom pan cook the mutton on high heat for ten minutes and then reduce the flame and cover the lid and let it cook for at least half an hour stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Soak the saffron in warm milk and keep it aside.

Step 3

In a pan add one tsp ghee and roast the dry fruits.

Step 4

Grind these roasted nuts along with khus khus and 2 spoon of milk and make a smooth paste of it.

Step 5Grind the garam masala.

Step 6

After half an hour once the mutton is tender add the garam masala paste and cover the lid so that mutton may infuse all the flavour.

Step 7

In another 5 minutes remove the lid and add the dry fruit paste along with soaked kesar and cover it and let it cook until the all the flavour comes together and the mutton is soft and cooked.

Step 8

Enjoy the mewe ka gosht with rumali roti or laccha paratha.

Tip

Do not add water to the mutton since it would release its own broth and let the cooking be done in the same.

The dry fruit paste will thicken the gravy and give it a valvety texture.

Egg Puff

February 4, 2020 Leave a comment

This delightful and fluffy egg puff works well for breakfast or tea time snacks. It has been our childhood favorite recipe that I enjoyed with my cousins together in our majestic dining table along with fun-filled conversations, laughter and fond memories. Food and family memories are very often co related that makes the culinary journey even more memorable.

Traditionally egg puffs are made using boiled eggs but here I have used beaten egg whites since this is the way we have been enjoying it and I hope my readers also does the same.

Ingredients

Egg : 4 whites (beaten)

Onion : 1

Green chillies : 2 to 3

Coriander leaves : 3 tsp

Salt : as required

Oil : for frying

For puff pastry

Maida : 200 gms

Oil : 4 tsp

Salt : 1 tsp

Kalonji: 1/4 tsp

Water : as required

Step 1

Knead a soft dough with oil, salt and water. Cover it with a moist cloth and let it rest for at least half an hour

Step 2

Separate the egg white from the yolk and beat the white until it’s fluffy.

Step 3

Mix it with thinly diced onion, green chillies, corriander leaves and salt.

Step 4

Take a small ball from the dough and roll it into a circle.

Step 5

Brush the edge with water. Place a scoop of egg mixture on the sheet.

Step 6

Bring together the diagonally opposite sides and seal it.

Step 7

Heat oil in a pan. Gently place the puff in the medium hot oil and let it fry til the outer crust becomes crispy.

Step 8

Serve it hot.

Tip

Sprinkle the salt at the end since salt would make the egg runny and filling them would become a problem.

Chicken Roast in Pan

January 1, 2020 1 Comment

Happy New year 2020!!!

“Praying god’s love shines bright in your new year and his blessings overflow”

A one pot whole chicken recipe along with sauted vegetables —– what better way to kick start to an exceptional and blissful year ahead than this classic recipe . Do try my mother’s recipe to make this new year even more festive and fun loaded. Let’s just wish for everyone’s happiness and prosperity and become a part of new year celebration along with this festive recipe.

Ingredients

Chicken : one whole

Onion : 250 gms ( thinly sliced)

Green cardamom : 1

Black cardamom : 1

Clove : 1

Sugar : ½ tsp

Oil : 6 tsp

Kashmiri red chili powder: 1 tsp

Salt

Marination

Curd : 6 tsp

Ginger paste : 1 tsp

Garlic paste : 1 tsp

Red chili powder : 1 tsp

Mustard oil : 2 tsp

Salt : 1 tsp

Step 1

Wash the chicken thoroughly from outside and clean the cavity by placing it under running water. Make deep incision with sharp knife.

Step 2

Mix curd along with red chilli powder, ginger and garlic paste, oil and salt.

Step 3

Marinate the chicken with the curd mixture and let it rest for at least couple of hours.

Step 4

Add 6 tsp oil in a thick bottom pan and shallow fry the marinated chicken.

Step 5

Once it turns golden brown from both sides, drain it out in an absorbent paper.

Step 6

In the remaining oil add garam masala along with one tsp of sugar and let it caramelize.

Step 7

Next add the thinly sliced onions and saute it until it turns golden brown.

Step 8

Add the fried chicken along with kashmiri red chilli powder and salt. Cover it and let it cook on a medium flame turning ocassionly.

Step 9

Keep splashing water whenever required to prevent the onions from burning.

Step 10

Once soft and tender serve it and enjoy with sauted vegetables of your choice.

Tip

Fry onion until golden brown and sprinkle water at regular interval for a perfect melt in mouth chicken roast.

Prawn Tikka

December 15, 2019 1 Comment

A few days back while cleaning my cupboard, l came across an old cookery book lying unnoticed in the shelf. As I started to turn its pages, I chance upon few breathtaking kebab recipes and prawn tikka instantly caught my attention and decided to give a try. It turned out to be of intense flavour and unparalleled taste. And so here I am with the recipe since I strongly believe that the only way to treat these hidden treasure is to pass it on and circulate to increase its value. The taste and aroma of prawn tikka will definitely knock you off your feet. I have retained the tail of the prawns to make it crunchy from outside and juicy inside.

Ingredients:

Prawns : 1 kg de-veined

First marinade

Lime juice : 2 tsp

Salt : 1 tsp

Second marinade

Hung curd : 1 cup

Garlic paste : 3 tsp

Ginger paste : 4 tsp

Pepper : 1 tsp

Ajwain : 1 tsp

Cream : 6 tsp

Grated cheese : 6 tsp

Garam masala powder : 1 tsp

Besan : 4 tsp ( dry roasted)

Salt : As required

Butter: For brushing

Step 1

Marinate the prawns with salt and lemon juice and keep it aside for at least half an hour.

Step 2

Mix the curd with the rest of the ingredients and give it all a good whisk.

Step 3

Squeeze the extra moisture from the marinated prawns. Now mix it with the second marinade and let it rest for at least an hour.

Step 4

Pierce the prawn through thin bamboo skewers .

Step 5

Place the skewers in the griddle pan at a medium heat for about ten minutes brushing wit the rest of the marinade and melted butter.

Step 6

Once done serve it with salad of your choice.

Tip

Do not overcook the prawn as it will become tough and chewy.
soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least half an hour before using it.

Murg Mussallam

November 20, 2019 1 Comment

There are several variations of murg musallam and almost every family has its own take on this traditional whole chicken recipe. For me, murgh musallam means taste of nostalgia since for generations it has been an integral part of our family wedding menu. No wedding reception till this day is complete without our very own murgh musallam. And it was originally cooked by a proficient muslim cook named khudoos and later his son murshid who had an expertise in old mughlai khana. Although they are no more, but luckily my family managed to document the recipe though they were very secretive about the same. Murgh mussallam is a mughlai style whole chicken recipe stuffed with boiled egg and dry fruits and slow cooked in curd and onion based sauce. It is an incredible dish to pamper your family and friends for those special occasions. It takes a little time and patience but believe me it is so rewarding and delicious.

Ingredients

Chicken : 1 whole ( remove all the integral organ from the cavity of the chicken)

Marination

Curd : 1 cup

Ginger paste : 2 tsp

Garlic paste : 1 tsp

Red chilli powder : 2 tsp

Garam masala powder : 1 tsp

Salt : as required

For the stuffing

Hard boiled eggs : 2 (shell removed)

Fried onion : 2

Khoya : 100 gms

Kaju : 10

Kishmish : 10

Green chilli : 5 to 6

Mint leaves

Coriander leaves

Garam masala powder : 1 tsp

Salt : 1 tsp

Step 1

Wash the chicken thoroughly from outside and clean the cavity by placing it under running water.

Step 2

Make deep incision with sharp knife.

Step 3

In a bowl whisk together curd, Ginger paste, garlic pastel, garam masala powder, red chilli powder and salt.

Step 4

Marinate the whole chicken along with the cavity evenly with the curd mixture. Refrigerate it for at least an hour.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, mix the fried onion, khoya, dry fruits, mint and coriander leaves, garam masala along with eggs and salt.

Step 6

Stuff the cavity with the egg mixture.

Step 7

Tie the legs of the chicken using a kitchen twine.this will help the stuffing from falling out.

Step 8

Heat 4 tsp oil in a thick bottom pan.

Step 9

Layer the sliced onion over it.

Step 10

Top it with the chicken along with the marinade and kashmiri red chilli powder.

Step 11

First let it cook on high flame for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Flip the chicken gently to the other side.

Step 12

Lower the flame and cover the lid. Let it cook on medium heat for about 25 minutes and after every 5 minutes make sure to rotate the chicken onto the other side for even cooking.

Step 13

After half an hour flip chicken and pour the sauce over it and let it cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 14

Switch off the heat and let the chicken rest in pan for about ten minutes. Now gradually transfer the murgh musallam into the serving dish and pour the rest of the masala over the chicken.

Tip

For a perfect soft and tender chicken try to marinate the chicken a day before the actual cooking.

Chicken Keema pockets

September 5, 2019 Leave a comment

Being repetitive with the menu makes my son dullish. And so every time at such, I have to come up with a new and innovative recipes to impress him so that he has less complain in life. Here I have tried chicken Keema pockets in Chinese style. keema, I feel is a very versatile non veg form which can be used in making varieties of delicacy. It is a perfect way to give a meaty twist to a traditional food and elevate it to a fusion level. So lighten your mood with chicken Keema in a small and tasty packets.

Ingredients

For the dough

Maida : ½ kg

Oil : 4 tsp

Salt : 1 tsp

Lukewarm water : as required

Stuffing

Chicken mince : 1/2 kg

Red , yellow and green capsicum : 1 each

Onion : 1

Crushed Ginger and garlic : 2 tsp each

Soya sauce : 1 tsp

Tomato sauce: 1 tsp

Vinegar : 1 tsp

Schezwan chutney : 2 tsp

Salt : as required

Oil: for frying

Step 1

In a mixing bowl add flour, salt, oil and lukewarm water and knead a soft smooth dough.cover it with damp cloth and let it rest for half an hour.

Step 2

Cut the capsicum into small cubes.

Step 3

Add oil in pan and saute the crushed Ginger and garlic.

Step 4

Saute onions along with Ginger and garlic until it turns translucent.

Step 5

Next add the capsicum and let it all cook together.

Step 6

Once it becomes soft add chicken mince along with 1 tsp salt and saute it.

Step 7

Cover the lid and let it cook for about fifteen minutes or until the Keema becomes tender.

Step 8

Open the lid and add all the sauces and stir them all together.

Step 9

Take it out and let it cool.

Step 10

Take a ball from the dough and flatten it with the help of rolling pin.cut out into squares from it.

Step 11

Add the prepared stuffing into it.

Step 12

Fold it carefully and press it lightly to seal the edge with the help of a fork and make a pocket out of it.

Step 13

Shallow fry until golden brown and crispy.

Step 14

Serve it with sauce of your choice.

Tip

The lukewarm water helps the dough to be soft and the secret behind a perfect outer crust of the pocket is of course a good dough.

Palak Mutton Keema Kofta Curry ( Meatballs in Spinach Gravy )

August 8, 2019November 8, 2025 Leave a comment

The simple, flavourful and aromatic palak mutton Keema kofta curry is my mom’s signature dish. This very recipe is indeed cooked by my mother herself in a stew style with very mild flavours. The spinach too is picked up from her kitchen garden and she in particular is highly emotional about her home grown vegetables. She even concluded that the dish tasted better not because of her cooking skill but only because of her organic baby spinach. On the contrary, I felt that since the meat balls are allowed to cook in the simmering gravy , the taste and texture of this dish is elevated to an altogether different dimension. The lightly sauteed onions imparts such a mild flavours to the meat ball as well as the gravy. One just needs to be a little extra careful with the koftas as it could disintegrate if not handled properly.

Ingredients

For the kofta

Mutton Keema : 800 gms

Onion : one large

Ginger paste : 1 tsp

Garlic paste : 1 tsp

Green chilies : 3 to 4

Garam masala powder : 1 tsp

Lemon juice

Mustard oil : 2 tsp

Coriander leaf

Salt : as per taste

For the gravy

Spinach : 800 gms washed and thinly sliced

Onion : 400 gms

Whole red chilli : 8 to 10

Jeera : 1 tsp

Coriander seed : 1 tsp

Black pepper corn : 20 to 25

Black cardamom : 2

Green cardamom : 5

Clove : 10

Dalchini : 3 small sized

Bay leaf : 3 to 4

Ginger paste : 1 tsp

Garlic paste : 1 tsp

Salt : as per taste

Oil 4 tsp

Step 1

Add chopped onion, green chilli, coriander leaves, Ginger and garlic paste, lemon juice, oil and salt into the raw Keema.

Step 2

Give them all a good mix.

Step 3

Apply oil in hand and make small round ball shaped koftas. Put it in the fridge for an hour so that the kofta becomes firm.

Step 4

Saute onion in hot oil for a minute.

Step 5

Add whole garam masala, red chilli, Ginger garlic paste, salt and stir it for a couple of minutes.

Step 6

Add approximately 3 cups of water and let it come to a boil.

Step 7

Now place the koftas one by one into the boiling mixture . Do not stir or mix the koftas as they could disintegrate. Let the gravy come to a boil.

Step 8

Now add the sliced palak.

Step 9

Cover the lid and let it cook on a high flame for ten minutes and then lower the flame and cook it until the kofta becomes firm.

Step 10

Check it out after fifteen to twenty minutes to see if the onions have become soft and meat meatballs are done and gravy has reached the desired consistency.

Step 11

Set aside in a serving dish and enjoy with rice or roti.

Tip

One may increase the quantity of spinach as per your taste and requirements.

Tandoori Rohu Fish

July 10, 2019 2 Comments

” The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

Birthdays are always special and it is my blogs first birthday. And to tune in with my beloved husband’s birthday, l have a sudden burst of excitement in cooking something new and exciting. Since food is the only gesture I know to express my love and appreciation, I came up with the idea of finger licking grilled fish recipe. It is an extremely easy recipe and can be made any day of the week. Enjoy cooking

Ingredients

Fish : ½ kg ( with bone)

For the marinade

Hung curd : 100gms

Ginger paste : 1tsp

Garlic paste : 1tsp

Tandoori masala powder : 2tsp

Kashmiri red chilli powder : 2 tsp

Carom seed : ½ tsp

Kasoori methi : 1 tsp

Mustard oil : 2 tsp

Chaat masala : 1 tsp

Lemon juice : 1 tsp

Cornflour : 1 tsp

Salt : as per taste

Step 1

In a bowl mix together Hung curd, Ginger garlic paste, tandoori masala powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder,kasoori methi, carom seed, Mustard oil,chat masala, lemon juice, cornflour and salt.