There are a variety of Indian mutton dishes, such as Laal Maas and Rogan Josh, with each being a distinct preparation, often savoured on special occasions. Among the range of luscious mutton dishes, Dhan Shikori is a must have. It is a delicacy of the Kokani Muslims. It is a flavourful mutton curry served with kolam rice, a flavourful, medium-sized grain. The mutton dish is originally believed to have been introduced by the Arab traders, but it also has Maharashtrian and Konkani cuisine influence. Though the dish is served for weddings, it can also be cooked at home.
Here is a recipe for Dhan Shikori:
Ingredients
1. 1/2 kg mutton
2. 20 garlic cloves
3. 1 ginger
4. 2-3 green chilis
5. 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
6. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
7. 1/2 teaspoon sauf
8. 1/2 grated coconut
9. 4 cloves
10. 2 cardamom pods
11. 1 cinnamon stick
12. 1 bay leaf or tej patta
13. 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
14. 1 cup chopped coriander leaves
15. 1 cup chopped tomatoes
16. 1 cup chopped onions
17. 2 teaspoon red chili powder
18. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
19. Refined oil
20. Salt as per taste preference
1. Thoroughly wash the mutton pieces
2. Slightly roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, sauf, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick on low flame for about a minute, take off flame
3. Slightly roast the grated coconut over low flame, and add to the rest of the roasted spices, grind all together in a mixie to make a coarse powder
4. Make a paste of the garlic, ginger, and green chilis
5. Heat 5 to 6 tablespoons of oil in a pressure cooker
6. Add the chopped onions and pinch of salt, and saute the onions till it turns brown
7. Add the chopped tomatoes, the bay leaf or tej patta, and saute till the tomatoes turn soft
8. Add the red chili powder and turmeric powder, salt as per taste preference, add the ginger-garlic-green chili paste and mix well
9. Add the mutton pieces and mix well so that the masala gets absorbed
10. Cover the cooker and let the mutton cook over low flame for five minutes
11. Wait till the oil comes up and mix well
12. Add the mixed roasted spices and roasted grated coconut powder, and mix well
13. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix well
14. Add one and a half to two cups of water, and mix a little
15. Close the pressure cook and wait till 4 whistles are done
16. Open the pressure cooker and cook the mutton on low flame for seven minutes
17. Add the garam masala powder, a few chopped coriander leaves, and let the mutton dish cook for five to seven minutes
You can also savour this dish with steamed rice or flavoured pulao, and can eat it at any time, not just for weddings.
