India’s Most Famous Meat-Based Recipes and How to Make Them

India is a treasure trove of diverse culinary traditions, showcasing a plethora of mouth-watering meat-based recipes. Each region boasts its unique flavors and cooking techniques, making Indian cuisine a rich tapestry of tastes and aromas. This article delves into some of the most famous meat-based dishes from India and provides simple recipes to recreate them at home.

Biryani

Biryani is one of the most iconic dishes in Indian cuisine, cherished for its fragrant rice layered with marinated meat. It's a dish that's as versatile as it is beloved, with variations across the country.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 500g chicken/mutton (cubed)
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 3-4 green chilies (slit)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon)
  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves
  • Salt, turmeric, and biryani masala to taste
  • 3 cups water

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the chicken/mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, turmeric, and biryani masala for at least 2 hours.
  2. In a heavy pot, heat oil and sauté the sliced onions until golden brown.
  3. Add the marinated meat and cook until it browns. Then add tomatoes and cook till soft.
  4. Meanwhile, rinse and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes and then boil it separately until it's 70% cooked.
  5. Layer the partially cooked rice over the meat, sprinkle with chopped coriander and mint leaves, and add remaining spices.
  6. Add water and cover the pot tightly. Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and flavors meld.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Originating from Delhi, Butter Chicken is a creamy, rich dish that has gained global popularity. It features marinated chicken cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 500g chicken (boneless, cubed)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cups pureed tomatoes
  • 1 cup cream
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the chicken with ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, and salt. Grill or cook in a pan until done.
  2. In a pan, heat butter and sauté the chopped onion until golden.
  3. Add the tomato puree, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
  4. Stir in the cream and cooked chicken. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  5. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving, typically enjoyed with naan or rice.

Rogan Josh

This aromatic Kashmiri dish is primarily made with lamb or goat meat and is renowned for its vibrant red color, derived from the use of Kashmiri red chili.

Ingredients:

  • 500g lamb (cut into pieces)
  • 2 large onions (sliced)
  • 4-5 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Rogan Josh spice blend (or a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and red chili)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the sliced onions until golden brown.
  2. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Add the lamb pieces and brown them on all sides.
  4. Stir in the yogurt and Rogan Josh spice blend, cooking for a few minutes.
  5. Add water and salt, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender.