Seekh Tujji
Tender, smoky mutton skewers bursting with authentic Kashmiri flavors. Marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection over charcoal, this is a beloved street food classic from the Kashmir Valley.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Marinade
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, cooled mustard oil, Kashmiri red chilli powder, fennel powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- c.Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-incorporated marinade.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Mutton
- b.Ensure the mutton cubes are patted dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade adhere properly.
- c.Add the mutton cubes to the marinade and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Skewer the Mutton
- b.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
- c.Remove the marinated mutton from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.
- d.Thread the mutton pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Aim for 4-5 pieces per skewer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Grill the Kebabs
- b.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A charcoal grill is traditional and provides the best smoky flavor.
- c.Place the skewers on the hot grill grates.
- d.Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning the skewers every 3-4 minutes, until the mutton is cooked through and has a nice char on all sides.
- e.To check for doneness, cut into a piece; it should be tender and no longer pink inside.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- c.Serve the hot Seekh Tujji immediately, garnished with sliced onion rings, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and a side of mint chutney and warm lavasa or naan bread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, heat the mustard oil until it's lightly smoking and then let it cool completely before adding to the marinade. This mellows its pungent flavor.
- 2Using hung curd (strained yogurt) is crucial as it creates a thick marinade that clings to the meat instead of dripping off during grilling.
- 3For exceptionally tender kebabs, you can add 1 tablespoon of raw papaya paste to the marinade. It acts as a natural meat tenderizer.
- 4Don't overcrowd the skewers. Leaving a little space between the meat cubes allows heat to circulate, ensuring they cook evenly from all sides.
- 5If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan or cook them under a preheated broiler in the oven, turning halfway through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Variation
This recipe works wonderfully with boneless chicken thighs or paneer cubes for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly; chicken will take about 8-10 minutes, and paneer will take 6-8 minutes.
Spice VariationSpice Variation
For a different flavor profile, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried mint powder (pudina) or 1/4 teaspoon of black cardamom powder to the marinade.
Smoky Flavor (No Grill)Smoky Flavor (No Grill)
If cooking indoors, you can impart a smoky flavor using the 'dhungar' method. Place a small steel bowl in the center of the marinated mutton, add a hot piece of charcoal, drizzle a little ghee over it, and immediately cover the main bowl for 5-10 minutes to trap the smoke.
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.
Gut-Friendly Probiotics
The use of curd (yogurt) in the marinade introduces beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome and aid in digestion.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Seekh Tujji can be a healthy dish as it's grilled rather than fried, reducing the fat content. Mutton is an excellent source of protein and iron. To maximize health benefits, use a lean cut of mutton and serve with a fresh salad.