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Eid is a celebration of people, cultures and, not to forget, food. While us Indians have the zest to eat great food all around the year, but our festivities are marked by the presence of delicious dishes and traditional recipes. Holi sees authentic desserts like malpua and perakiya, Christmas has traditional roasted chicken while Baisakhi is marked with lip-smacking makke ki roti aur sarson ka saag. So, while Bkrid, also known as Eid ul-Adha is right at our doorsteps, it is but obvious that we look for dishes to try and relish during the occasion.
Delhi, the capital of India, is truly an amalgamation of cultures which automatically means an amalgamation of food from different people. while you may get all sorts of national and international cuisines in the high-end restaurants of Delhi, there is something about the small but legendary shops of Old Dilli that is irreplaceable. So, this Eid, let us look at various dishes that you can try out in Old Delhi.
Mutton Korma
This beloved culinary delight features succulent pieces of mutton, marinated in a medley of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The meat is then slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavours to infuse and develop into a harmonious symphony of tastes. The creamy gravy, made with a combination of yogurt, cashews, and aromatic spices, envelops the mutton, creating a luscious and indulgent texture. Mutton korma is a true feast for the senses, with its melt-in-your-mouth meat and robust, aromatic flavours that leave a lasting impression.
Where to have - Karim's
Mutton Seekh Kebab
Recipe credits - Shabana Rasoi
Mutton Seekh Kebab is a succulent dish made from finely minced mutton, combined with an assortment of aromatic spices and fresh herbs. These kebabs are skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and charred exterior, while the inside remains juicy and tender. The blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic, infuses the kebabs with an irresistible aroma and a delightful burst of flavour. Mutton Seekh Kebabs are often served with mint chutney and onion slices, making them an enticing appetiser before you gorge on other delicious mains.
Where to have - Qureshi Kebab Corner
Mutton Nihari
Mutton Nihari is a slow-cooked, aromatic stew that originates from the Indian subcontinent. This iconic dish features tender mutton, slow-cooked with a blend of spices, including cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and a generous amount of slow-roasted onions. The dish is characterised by its rich and velvety gravy, which is thickened with a combination of flour and bone marrow. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld together, resulting in a dish that is packed with deep, earthy flavours and tender meat that effortlessly falls off the bone. Mutton Nihari is often enjoyed with naan bread or steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Where to have - Al-Jawahar
Mutton Biryani
Picture credit - Unsplash
This beloved one-pot meal features succulent mutton pieces marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, layered with aromatic basmati rice and a medley of caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and spices. The dish is then slow-cooked, allowing the flavours to mingle and infuse the rice and meat with a beautiful aroma. Mutton Biryani is known for its rich and complex flavours, with each grain of rice soaked in the essence of the tender mutton and the spices. It is often garnished with fried onions, cashews, and raisins, and served with raita or salan.
Where to have - Taufiq Dilpasand Biryani
Mutton Rogan Josh
Mutton Rogan Josh is a classic mutton dish that is renowned for its vibrant red colour and robust flavours. This hearty curry is made with tender mutton pieces cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, including Kashmiri red chilli powder, fennel seeds, ginger, garlic, and a hint of saffron. The overnight slow-cooking process allows the meat to absorb the flavours, resulting in a rich and aromatic gravy that is both spicy and indulgent. Mutton Rogan Josh is often enjoyed with khameeri roti and its deep, complex flavours make it a favourite among meat lovers.
Where to have - Al-Jawahar
Shami Kebab
Shami Kebab is a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy made from a mixture of finely minced mutton, lentils, and aromatic spices. This traditional kebab is known for its unique texture, achieved by slow-cooking the meat and lentil mixture until it becomes tender and easily breakable. The kebabs are typically shallow-fried, giving them a crispy outer layer while maintaining their soft and moist interior. With a fragrant blend of spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, Shami Kebabs offer a burst of flavours in every bite. These kebabs are often served with mint chutney and enjoyed as an appetiser or as a side dish with biryanis or pulao.
Where to have - Lalu Kebabee
