Dhan Shikori: This Mutton Dish Is Served At Konkani Weddings

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. 

The mutton     is slow cooked in an amalgam of masalas. Cooking the mutton dish is a laborious process, but it can be cooked faster by using a pressure cooker, but it must be ensured that the mutton is succulent. 

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.