Kheema Lukmi
Crispy, golden-brown pockets of pastry filled with a savory and spicy minced mutton mixture. This classic Hyderabadi snack is a must-try appetizer, perfect for parties or an evening treat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp salt, and melted ghee.
- c.Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky pastry.
- d.Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead to form a firm, smooth dough. Do not make it too soft.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Kheema Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 7-8 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Increase the heat to high, add the mutton mince, and cook, breaking up any lumps with a spoon. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until the mince changes color and all its moisture has evaporated.
- e.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and 0.75 tsp salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- f.Add the whisked curd and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- g.Stir in the garam masala, chopped coriander, and mint leaves. Cook for one more minute.
- h.Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and transfer the filling to a plate to cool down completely.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Lukmis
- b.After resting, knead the dough again for a minute until smooth.
- c.Divide the dough into 16 equal-sized small balls.
- d.Take one ball, dust it lightly with flour, and roll it out into a very thin 3-4 inch square or rectangle.
- e.Place about 1 tablespoon of the completely cooled kheema filling on one half of the rolled dough.
- f.Apply a little water along the edges of the dough with your fingertip.
- g.Fold the other half over the filling to create a smaller rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal.
- h.For a secure seal and decorative look, you can crimp the edges with a fork. Repeat for all the dough balls.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Lukmis
- b.Heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 170°C or 340°F).
- c.To test the oil, drop a tiny piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the surface steadily.
- d.Carefully slide 3-4 lukmis into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- e.Fry on low to medium heat for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides.
- f.Remove the fried lukmis with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Kheema Lukmi hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple squeeze of lemon.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the kheema filling is completely dry; excess moisture will make the lukmi soggy and can cause it to burst while frying.
- 2Let the filling cool down completely before stuffing. A hot filling will create steam and tear the delicate pastry.
- 3Roll the dough as thinly as possible without tearing it for the crispiest texture.
- 4Fry on a consistent low to medium heat. Frying on high heat will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside pastry raw.
- 5Seal the edges very tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out into the oil.
- 6For perfectly uniform and thin sheets, you can use a pasta maker to roll out the dough.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Lukmi
Substitute mutton mince with an equal amount of chicken mince. The cooking time for the filling may be slightly shorter.
Vegetable LukmiVegetable Lukmi
For a vegetarian version, use a filling of finely chopped and sautéed vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes, mixed with paneer or soya granules.
Baked LukmiBaked Lukmi
For a healthier alternative, arrange the assembled lukmis on a baking sheet, brush them with a little oil or egg wash, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The mutton mince provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Good Source of Iron
Mutton is an excellent source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps in the formation of red blood cells, preventing anemia.
Provides Energy
The combination of carbohydrates from the pastry and fats from the filling and frying provides a quick and substantial source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Kheema Lukmi (about 4 pieces) contains approximately 550-600 calories, primarily from the refined flour, mutton, and deep-frying oil.
