The magic of desi style Mutton Handi
In Indian culture, we firmly believe that a family who eats together stays together. Eating together is not only about filling stomachs, but it is a powerful medium of bonding with family and friends, sharing and talking to value and understand each other and grow together.
There is a reason our ancestors were much healthier, fitter and looked much younger than their actual age and lived much longer than us. The answer lies in their cooking method, which they consumed mindfully and without any gadgets. Also, much importance was given to the method of preparation of food, such as food quality, ingredients and the utensils used.
Unlike today’s modern world, where all kinds of fancy utensils are at the disposal of our hands, few of us understand the importance of choosing correct and safe utensils for cooking. Appropriate utensils can not only make a dish extra scrumptious but also enhance its nutritional value as well. Slow cooking basically means cooking food on low heat for a longer time. The juice of ingredients infuses, resulting in tender and mouth-watering flavours.
Unlike today’s modern world, where all kinds of fancy utensils are at the disposal of our hands, few of us understand the importance of choosing correct and safe utensils for cooking. Appropriate utensils can not only make a dish extra scrumptious but also enhance its nutritional value as well. Slow cooking basically means cooking food on low heat for a longer time. The juice of ingredients infuses, resulting in tender and mouth-watering flavours.
One of the oldest and authentic utensils used for slow cooking are ‘handi’ or the ‘Clay Pot.’ As per Ayurveda, cooking in a clay pot is healthier than cooking in modern everyday utensils. Cooking in clay pots helps food retain its natural moisture. It helps in providing various natural minerals to the food. It requires less oil to cook and lends an earthy aroma, making the food mouth-watering.
Before I embark upon the journey of how I cooked Mutton Handi the traditional way, I would like to share some cooking tips that I think you would find useful.
Basic rules for cooking in ‘Handi’ or ‘Clay pot.’
1- When you buy a new handi, make sure you immerse it entirely in water for at least two hours.
2- After removing from the water, leave it for an hour to dry so that it does not crack while cooking when placed on a fire/ gas burner.
3- Make sure any liquid to be poured in the handi must be warm or hot so that it does not crack.
4- The temperature needs to be constantly maintained while cooking on a handi. Any temperature change might lead to leakages in the handi. If cooking on a gas stove, it is advised to cook on low heat.
5- Safety first – Oven gloves are essential as the handi will be very hot.
Cooking any dish in a handi is a slow process as it requires a lot of effort, time and patience. But I assure you that it is the easiest and stress-free style of cooking food once you get the hang of it.
The handi can be placed on a gas top to cook or in an oven. But I specifically prefer to cook it on traditional cow dung to enhance the food’s authentic flavours.
Cow dung can be obtained from your local ‘goshala’, or even you can check with the local person delivering milk. Else it can also be cooked on gas stove on low heat.
Usually, I love to cook food in a handi as it provides time to be happy. Once the handi is packed and in slow cooking, it cannot be disturbed other than to check the temperature. This is the time when family and friends are around the handi to keep an eye on it, along with talking, playing, sharing their overall day spending a wholesome time.
In my hometown in Uttar Pradesh, I usually cook mutton handi on dried cow dung cakes. Starting with preparing the Chula. For the chula, I use deep tasla or ghamella; into this, I start placing the dried cow dung cakes in the centre and around the corners, leaving a hole in the centre at the top on which the handi can be placed safely.
After arranging the cow dung, the next step is to burn the dried cow dung cakes with the help of kerosene. It is necessary to ensure that the dried cow dung cake is not burned completely and must be semi burned. The low fire must be there to ensure slow cooking.
To prevent any damage to your floor, use bricks to place your chula on top of it.
Now that you’ve got all the gyan from me, let’s begin with the magic of Mutton Handi, in a truly desi style.
It is very important to arrange the dried cow dung cakes properly so that the handi does not fall while placing them one on top of another. Once the stage is set, it is time to light fire carefully.
Once the fire settles down, place the handi very cautiously over it. It is advised to use oven mittens or cloth to avoid burning your hands. When the handi gets a little hot, pour hot oil, followed by whole masala, onion and mutton.
After adding all the ingredients in the handi, pack the handi and let it do its magic. Again, reminder, while packing the handi with sticky flour dough, be very careful as at this time the handi would extremely hot. It takes an hour to get the mutton cooked. After an hour carefully remove the handi from the cow dung fire and let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes before opening it.
The moment you open the handi and all the earthy flavoursome aroma hits the nose, that’s when you know that all your effort and patience was worthwhile.
Though all the magic was done by the handi, when you witness all the love, smiles and laughter in the family while appreciating and savouring the meal, I can assure you, it’s the best feeling ever. My heart is overwhelmed and filled with love and gratitude for all the people present here and who is a part of my life. It inspires me to do more cooking for them and show my way of thanking and loving back everyone as I truly believe that a family who eats together stays together.
Contributor: Sonal Srivastava
About our Writing Program Student
A simple yet strong and emotional girl, Sonal a fitness enthusiast firmly believes in healthy living. She loves travelling and exploring new places and being a foodie, loves to cook! For her, spending time and energy reading, listening to music, watching movies with friends and family is a an investment of a lifetime.
References:
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