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When thinking about hosting a Holi party, it's almost certain that thandai and bhang will be part of the menu. Thandai is a celebratory drink that provides a refreshing experience. This chilled drink is made with milk and features a blend of poppy and fennel seeds, nuts like almonds and watermelon kernels, and rose petals. It is a delectable drink typically enjoyed during the festival and is often served with bhang, also known as cannabis.
Another lesser-known fact is the popularity of mutton across India for Holi. While the Bihari tradition of eating a slow-cooked mutton curry on this festival is no stranger to us, mutton-based delicacies are also common in other cultures in India. Here are some of the mutton delights that are prepared on Holi every year, and you can try them at home too.
1. Mutton Sukka
The sukka and rassa concept of making vegetables and non-vegetables is largely Maharashtrian. While the former refers to a dry dish, the latter is a gravy. A dry meat-based dish like mutton sukka is often prepared on Holi in most Maharashtrian households. The tender mutton pieces are cooked with a thick onion-tomato masala and loads of spices.
2. Bihari Mutton Curry
The Biharis celebrate Holi with a lot of pomp and show. A proper traditional thali is prepared with dahi vada, bachka (fritters), and curries like mutton and kathal curry. Even sweets like malpua are added to the plate. The Bihari mutton curry is special because it is slow-cooked with yoghurt, spinach leaves, and onions. Paired with steamed rice and poori, it is a must-have on Holi.
3. Dhuska Mutton
Dhuska is a unique bread that is traditionally made in eastern parts of the country, such as Jharkhand, for Holi festivities. This circular bread is created using rice and soaked chana dal and is deep-fried to achieve a beautiful golden-brown hue. Typically, dhuska is served with either kathal curry for vegetarians or a mutton curry for non-vegetarians as a tasty accompaniment.
4. Kosha Mangsho
This is a traditional Bengali mutton curry that is served not only on Holi but also on other festive occasions such as Durga Puja. The delicious mutton curry is slow-cooked in mustard oil and is very flavourful. While kosha stands for bhuna, mangsho refers to meat or mutton. This can be paired with porota, polao, or pulao, and goes well with plain rice too.
5. Kadai Mutton
In Uttar Pradesh, non-vegetarian delicacies enjoy as much love as vegetarian delights. For Holi, a kadai mutton dish is prepared. The mutton is cooked with ginger-garlic paste, tomato, onion, yoghurt, and loads of spices in a kadai, a heavy-bottomed utensil. This aromatic meaty delight is a must-have for Holi. If not kadai mutton, the aroma of mutton biryani would certainly entice one to the kitchen.
6. Chakuli Mutton
Chakuli, for the uninitiated, is a rice-based fermented cake, more like a thin pancake, that serves as bread for curries. This Odia delicacy is usually combined with hot and spicy mutton curry. Chakuli and mutton is a traditional combination that is usually served at a festive feast in the region. While chakuli can be of various types, each one works well with a meaty gravy.
