Mutton Tujji
Tender cubes of mutton marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and classic Kashmiri spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This popular street food from the valleys of Kashmir is a true delight for kebab lovers.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the whisked thick curd, ginger garlic paste, and all the powdered spices: Kashmiri red chili powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder.
- c.Add the cooled mustard oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, homogenous marinade.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Mutton
- b.Pat the mutton cubes dry with a paper towel and add them to the marinade.
- c.Use your hands to massage the marinade into the mutton, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours. For best results and incredibly tender kebabs, marinate overnight (8-12 hours).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Skewer the Mutton
- b.Remove the marinated mutton from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature.
- c.Thread the mutton pieces onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers. Leave a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between each cube to allow for even cooking and charring.
- d.Do not pack the skewers too tightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Tujji
- b.Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (around 200°C or 400°F).
- c.Lightly grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- d.Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
- e.In the last 5 minutes of cooking, baste the skewers with melted ghee on all sides. This adds flavor and helps create a beautiful char.
- f.The mutton is cooked when it's tender, juicy, and has visible char marks.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a platter.
- c.Let the Mutton Tujji rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat.
- d.Serve hot, garnished with fresh onion rings and accompanied by lemon wedges and a side of mint chutney.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an authentic smoky flavor (dhungar method), place a small steel bowl in the center of the marinating mutton. Add a piece of red-hot charcoal to the bowl, drizzle a teaspoon of ghee over it, and immediately cover the main bowl with a tight lid for 5-10 minutes.
- 2Ensure the curd is thick (hung curd is ideal) to prevent the marinade from being too watery and sliding off the meat.
- 3Heating the mustard oil until it smokes and then cooling it down is a traditional Kashmiri technique that mellows its pungent flavor, making it nutty and aromatic.
- 4Don't skip the resting period after grilling; it's essential for juicy, tender kebabs.
- 5If using an oven, preheat to 220°C (425°F). Place skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with ghee in the last 5 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Tujji
Replace mutton with boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes. Reduce the marination time to 2-4 hours and grilling time to 10-12 minutes.
Paneer Tujji (Vegetarian)Paneer Tujji (Vegetarian)
Use firm paneer cubes instead of mutton. Marinate for only 30-60 minutes and grill for 6-8 minutes, being careful not to overcook as paneer can become chewy.
Fish TujjiFish Tujji
Use firm, white fish fillets like kingfish (surmai) or cod. Marinate for 20-30 minutes and grill for 7-10 minutes until just cooked through.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Mutton is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the mutton, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia by supporting red blood cell production.
Boosts Immunity
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Aids Digestion
Ingredients like curd (a probiotic), fennel, and ginger are known to support digestive health by promoting good gut bacteria and soothing the digestive tract.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Mutton Tujji (approximately 2-3 skewers) contains around 450-550 calories, primarily from the mutton and the oils used in marination and basting.