Burrah Kabab

It has been a long and hot summer. The hot weather has been a factor in staying away from the kitchen and I missed staying away from my grill. The last two weeks you can feel the chill in the air during evenings and early mornings. The winters are here finally, though sadly we skipped monsoons here in Delhi. I have greeted this change in weather by taking out my grill and cooking up some tandoori fare. The Burra Kabab was one of the things I cooked. It had been on my mind for the last few months and this was a perfect occasion to try out the delicious kabab.

On my last few visits to the Bukhara I had found myself relishing the burrah kabab more than any other kababs and tikkas on the menu. Surprisingly, even some of the counterparts and visitors from overseas whom I had gone alongwith found a special liking for this kabab. Literally meaning the 'Big Kabab', the burrah kabab demands time for the preparation. The secret in the taste apart from the mild spiciness is the fact that the kabab should just melt in your mouth. This translates to marinating the pieces overnight or for atleast 6 hours if using a tenderizer. Having worked in the Bukhara for some time and knowing some of the old timers there helped in getting to know the recipe.

Burrah Kabab

Ingredients:
Lamb/Mutton, chops and leg pieces, cut large (It is of course the Big Kabab) - 1 Kg ( I use mutton)
Red Chili Powder - 2 Tblsp
Mace (Javitri) powder - 1/4 Tsp
Nutmeg (Jaiphal) - 1/4 Tsp
Garam masala - 1 Tblsp
Shahi zeera (Black cumin seeds) - 2 Tblsp
Ginger-garlic paste - 6 Tblsp
Raw Papaya paste - 2 Tblsp
Malt vinegar - 1/2 Cup
Juice of 1 lemon
Hung yogurt - 1/4 Cup
Oil - 1 Tblsp
Salt - To Taste

Oil for basting

Method:
1. Make a marinade out of red chili powder, mace, nutmeg, garam masala powder, shahi zeera, ginger-garlic paste, raw papaya, lemon juice, malt vinegar and hung yogurt.

2. Marinade the lamb/mutton in the above ingredients for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight). Cover and put the marinated meat in the refrigerator.

3. Skewer the pieces an inch apart from each other.

4. Grill on a charcoal fire for 15-20 minutes or till half done.

5. Take the skewers off the grill and let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

6. Baste with oil and grill again till fully done ( 20 more minutes)

7. Serve hot garnished with chaat masala and lime juice sprinkled on top alongwith some mint chutney.

Posted in: Appetizer,Indian Cooking,Kabab,Mutton,North Indian Cuisine,snack,Tandoori,Tikka