Ramadan 2024: Mutton Khichda Of Bhopal

The alleys of Bhopal during Ramadan light up with cultural tradition. The dishes served in Ramadan represent the culture and tradition of Bhopal. Shehnaz Siddiqui, "one of the famous Chef, talks about the famous dish in Bhopal during this holy month - mutton khichda". She also added, "this dish is made from rice, lentils, spices, and mutton. After fasting the whole day, one bite of this dish nourishes the soul and craves hunger. For generations, families have passed down the tradition of cooking khichda for Iftar."

This one-pot meal is both delicious and nutritious. Khichda has many health benefits. Each ingredient in this dish provides some or another nutrient to the body. 

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The mutton in the dish helps strengthen the muscles. The fibre in the lentils aids in proper digestion. The spices used act as antioxidants and help with anti-inflammation. This dish is also low in fat and calories and helps with weight management as well.  

Image credit: Freepik

Why Is Mutton Khichda Famous In Bhopal During Ramadan?  

It is believed that the Nawabs of Bhopal, who loved good food, often had mutton khichda for dinner. This tasty rice and meat dish became a Ramadan tradition in Bhopal over time. People eat it to break their day-long fast during Ramadan. 

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Khichda is served with chutneys, raita, and salan for a yummy meal. Mutton khichda is more than just delicious food. It shows Bhopal's welcoming culture and food history. This rice dish with aromatic meat connects Bhopalis to their past and traditions during Ramadan.  

Image credit: Freepik

Recipe  

Ingredients:  

1. 3 onions, finely sliced  
2. 1 cup broken wheat or khichda wheat  
3. 1 teaspoon of oil  
4. 1/3 cup of rice  
5. 1 cup mix of (uraddal+masoor dal+chanadal+tur dal+moong dal+green moong+chana)  
6. 1/2 kg of mutton with bone  
7. 3–4 teaspoons of coriander powder  
8. 2 teaspoons of cumin powder  
9. 2 teaspoons of garam masala  
10. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder  
11. 1 teaspoon red chilli powder  
12. 1 teaspoon of meat masala  
13. Whole garam masalas  
14. 1 tablespoon of oil  
15. 1 tablespoon ginger garlic green chilli paste  
16. 1 tomato, pureed  
17. A handful of coriander and mint  
18. Chopped coriander and mint, lemon wedges and ginger julienne for garnishing.   

Also read: Ramadan 2024: 7 Khajoor-Based Dishes For Iftar Dates With Friends

Method:  

1. Soak wheat and pulses separately overnight.   
2. Now cook wheat with double water, turmeric, salt and oil for 4 whistles on medium-low heat. Mash lightly.   
3. Brown 2 onions in oil on medium-high heat until golden. Reduce the heat and cook until browned.  
4. Cook pulses and rice in the same cooker with salt and turmeric. Mash it and set it aside. 
5. Cook mutton with ginger-garlic-chilli paste, coriander powder, whole garam masalas, salt and chilli powder until tender. Discard whole spices.   
6. Heat oil. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden. Add ginger, garlic, and chilli paste and cook briefly.   
7. Add tomato puree, coriander, mint, and spices, and cook until the oil separates.   
8. Add the mutton and cook well. Add wheat, pulses, stock and lemon juice. Cook until well combined.  
9. Garnish with mint, coriander, browned onions, ginger and lemon.