Awadhi Non Veg Recipes: Authentic Flavors to Savor

Awadhi cuisine, hailing from the royal kitchens of Lucknow in Northern India, is famed for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked delicacies. The non-vegetarian dishes from this region are a true celebration of Mughal culinary artistry, blending Persian influences with Indian spices to create dishes that are both regal and soul-satisfying.

Whether it’s succulent kebabs, tender biryanis, or creamy kormas, Awadhi non-veg recipes are perfect for anyone looking to impress their guests or indulge in a feast of authentic flavors. In this blog post, you’ll discover some of the most cherished Awadhi non-veg recipes, their ingredients, preparation techniques, and tips to bring the royal taste right into your kitchen.

From the fragrant mutton korma to the melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs, each recipe is crafted with care and a deep love for traditional cooking methods. So if you’re ready to elevate your culinary skills and explore the rich heritage of Awadhi food, read on!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Awadhi non-veg recipes stand out due to their unique cooking style known as “Dum” – a slow-cooking technique that locks in the flavors and juices of the meat, making every bite irresistibly tender and flavorful.

These recipes use a harmonious blend of spices such as saffron, cardamom, and cloves, combined with yogurt and cream, to create a luxurious texture and depth of flavor.

You’ll love how these dishes are not just meals but experiences that tell the story of a rich cultural history. Plus, many of these recipes are perfect for special occasions or weekend feasts, impressing family and friends with exotic tastes and aromas.

Ingredients

• Mutton or chicken: 1 kg, preferably bone-in pieces for better flavor
• Yogurt: 1 cup, whisked
• Onions: 3 large, thinly sliced
• Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tablespoons
• Green chilies: 3-4, slit
• Fresh coriander leaves: ½ cup, chopped
• Mint leaves: ¼ cup, chopped
• Ghee (clarified butter): 4 tablespoons
• Milk: ½ cup, warm with a pinch of saffron strands
• Spices: 2 bay leaves, 4-5 green cardamoms, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt: to taste
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Rose water or kewra water: 1 teaspoon (optional, for aroma)

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed deep pan or handi
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Stove or gas burner
• Grater or food processor (for ginger-garlic paste)
• Fine strainer (optional, for frying onions)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the mutton or chicken pieces with whisked yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and half of the sliced onions. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare Fried Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan and fry the remaining sliced onions until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. These fried onions add sweetness and texture to the dish.
3. Cook the Meat: In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and whole spices – bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated meat along with green chilies and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to sear the meat and seal in the juices.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add chopped mint and coriander leaves, fried onions, and garam masala. Mix well and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Cook the meat on “dum” or slow heat for 1.5 to 2 hours (for mutton) or 45 minutes to 1 hour (for chicken), stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary to avoid sticking. The meat should become tender and the gravy thick.
7. About 10 minutes before finishing, pour the warm saffron-infused milk over the meat, add lemon juice and rose water or kewra water if using. Stir gently and cook uncovered for the last few minutes to blend all flavors.
8. Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

“For an even more authentic Awadhi flavor, try using a traditional clay handi for cooking and seal the lid with dough to trap the steam during the dum process.”

Here are some tips to perfect your Awadhi non-veg dishes:

• Marination: The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful your meat will be.
• Fried onions: Don’t skip this step as it adds a lovely sweetness and texture.
• Slow cooking: Patience is key. Cooking on low heat ensures tender meat and rich gravy.
• Variations: Swap mutton with chicken or even duck for a different twist. You can also try adding nuts like cashews or almonds ground into a paste for a richer curry.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian take, try the Half Runner Beans Recipe for a delicious side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Awadhi non-veg dishes are best enjoyed with fragrant basmati rice or traditional Indian breads like roomali roti or sheermal. For a complete meal, serve with a side of fresh cucumber raita, a tangy salad, and pickles.

To balance the richness, try pairing with a simple dal or vegetable side. Don’t forget to finish your meal with a delightful dessert like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to end on a sweet note.

Conclusion

Awadhi non-veg recipes offer a majestic culinary journey through the heart of Northern India’s royal kitchens. These dishes are more than just food—they are a celebration of history, culture, and the art of slow cooking.

By mastering these recipes, you bring a piece of this heritage into your home, delighting your palate and impressing your guests with authentic flavors and aromas.

Whether you’re preparing a festive meal or a special weekend treat, these recipes provide a perfect blend of tradition and taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and ingredients to make these dishes your own.

For more delicious recipes and baking ideas, be sure to check out the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe and Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for some delightful accompaniments to your meals.

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