Indian cuisine is a reservoir of mouth-watering delicacies and perhaps the whole world agrees with it. Be it the sumptuous snacks with fiery play of spices and herbs, the aromatic biryanis or the traditional desserts, each of them has a loyal fan following. After all, the cuisine indeed is a celebration of food. Besides everything, Indian cuisine has a gamut of rich and luscious curries, which are hard to resist. And if you are non-vegetarian, you are in for a pool of drool-worthy curries that are available across the country. Picture creamy korma, fiery laal maas or a spicy chicken masala and so much more. Indian non-vegetarian fare has something for everyone.
With the winter season right here, it’s the time when ingredients and menus at home are changed drastically. The chilled beverages make way for all things warm and comforting, the vegetable basket make for seasonal produce such as saag, palak, etc. And the menu make way for all things hot, the ones that not just provide warmth to the body but are also irresistibly delicious. And Indian non-vegetarian curries are exactly that. We’ve got a roundup of five such options that you must try for dinner this winter season.
1. Paya Curry
A hearty regional meat curry made with sheep trotters, which also means Paya in Urdu. It is a stew-based dish that isn’t just popular in India but has a loyal fan base in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The warm and soothing dish is cooked in a pool of various spices, and is often served in breakfast besides being a part of many festive and celebratory occasions. Above everything, it is popular for its health benefits. Warding off fever, keeping cold away, boosting immunity and keeping your body warm during the cold weather, are among few added benefits that come with a bowl of Paya.
2. Mutton Stew
Stew is a soupy gravy-based dish that is prepared by combining vegetables, meat, chicken, etc., that is slow cooked. The slow process help soften the meat besides keeping the nutrients intact. While my experience with mutton stew is as authentic as possible, wherein my mother simply pours out bone broth while making mutton pulav. But one can experiment with the bone broth and add in mutton chunks, spices and herbs to make it more flavorful and nutrient-dense. This is why recipe of mutton stew in different homes differ. The dish is said to be extremely beneficial in keeping us warm during chilly winter months.
3. Chicken Korma
Derived from the Turkish word 'Kavurma' that means cooked meat, Chicken Korma is a super-rich chicken curry which is slow-cooked over low flame. It is influenced by a popular cooking technique of simmering meat along with yogurt, cream, stock and various spices, which was a favourite during the time of Mughals. Yes, the delicacy is as ‘shahi’ as the name sounds. The spices and chicken together lend a comforting flavour to the dish.
4. Mutton Nihari
A discussion about Indian mutton curries is incomplete without the mention of classic Nihari. Did you know its origin dates back to the 17th-18th century and was originally eaten as a breakfast item by Nawabs in the Mughal Empire after Fajr or their morning prayers? In fact, the word 'Nihari' originates from the Arabic word ‘Nahar’ meaning 'morning'. This stew dish is made by slow cooking meat along with the bone marrow. The reason it is in our winter menu’s list is due to the soul-satisfying warmth of the mutton and the spices. Nihari, a staple of Old Delhi, is also said to be used as a home remedy for common cold and fever by popular hakims of the walled city.
5. Haleem
Another mutton stew that is rich and wholesome, haleem is made with lentil, spices and broken wheat. A slow-cooked delicacy that is usually made during Eid festivities or other special occasions, this one is a must try during peak winter season.