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
Prepare the Marinade
1.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.2.Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-incorporated marinade.Marinate the Mutton
1.Ensure the mutton cubes are patted dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade adhere properly.2.Add the mutton cubes to the marinade and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.3.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.Skewer the Mutton
1.If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.2.Remove the marinated mutton from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.3.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.Grill the Kebabs
1.Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A charcoal grill is traditional and provides the best smoky flavor.2.Place the skewers on the hot grill grates.3.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.4.To check for doneness, cut into a piece; it should be tender and no longer pink inside.Serve
1.Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.2.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.
