Shikampuri Kebabs to Lukhmi: A Hyderabadi twist to Xmas menu to make festival more special

Hyderabad: Christmas is the season for gathering around the table with family and friends, indulging in festive meals, and celebrating togetherness.

While traditional Christmas dishes are always a hit, adding a Hyderabadi twist to your menu can make the celebration even more special.

From savory snacks to rich, flavorful dishes, this curated selection of Hyderabadi recipes offers a unique spin for your holiday feast.

1. Shikampuri Kebabs

Straight from Hyderabad’s royal kitchens

Ingredients:

• 250g mutton mince

• 2 tbsp Bengal gram (soaked and boiled)

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

• 2 green chilies (finely chopped)

• 2 tbsp hung yogurt

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Combine mutton mince, Bengal gram, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook until tender and moisture is gone.

2. Grind the mixture into a smooth paste and divide into portions.

3. Flatten each portion, stuff with a mix of yogurt, green chilies onions, and coriander, and shape into patties.

4. Shallow fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve warm.

2. Mazakati Boti Kebab

A spicy kebab for special occasions

Ingredients:

• 250g mutton (cubed)

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp green chilli paste

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• ½ tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Marinate the mutton with all ingredients except oil. Let it rest for 2 hours.

2. Cook the mutton until tender, then fry in a hot pan until crispy.

3. Hyderabadi Chicken 65

A versatile snack for all occasions

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken (boneless, cut into pieces)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken with ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.

2. Add egg and cornflour, mix well, and fry until golden brown.

4. Apollo Fish Fry

A bar favorite for your festive spread

Ingredients:

• 500g fish fillets

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 1 tbsp rice flour

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

• Curry leaves, green chilies, and garlic for garnish

Method:

1. Coat fish with cornflour, rice flour, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt.

2. Deep fry until crispy.

3. Toss with fried curry leaves, green chilies, and garlic for added flavor.

5. Chicken Majestic

Quick and flavorful chicken dish

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken (strips)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 2 tbsp yogurt

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Marinate chicken with spices, yogurt, and cornflour. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Deep fry until tender and serve hot.

6. Egg Parathas

A filling snack or meal addition

Ingredients:

• 4 parathas

• 4 eggs

• 1 onion (finely chopped)

• 1 green chili (finely chopped)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Whisk eggs with onion, green chili, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the mixture on a hot tawa, place a paratha over it, and press gently.

3. Flip and cook until golden.

7. Gongura Chicken Fry

Unique and tangy chicken dish

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken

• 2 cups gongura (red sorrel leaves)

• 1 tsp red chilli powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Sauté gongura leaves until soft.

2. Cook chicken with spices, add gongura paste, and fry until dry.

8. Lukhmi

Hyderabadi take on samosas

Ingredients:

• 250g minced meat (kheema)

• 1 onion (finely chopped)

• 2 green chilies (finely chopped)

• ½ tsp red chilli powder

• Salt to taste

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)

• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Prepare kheema filling by cooking meat with onions, green chilies, red chili powder, and salt.

2. Make a dough with maida, roll it into small squares, stuff it with filling, and seal the edges.

3. Deep fry until golden.

This mix of traditional Hyderabadi recipes will bring festive cheer and flavor to your Christmas table, blending local charm with holiday traditions.