From Butter Chicken to Mutton Curry: Punjabi dinner staples for meat lovers

From Butter Chicken to Mutton Curry: Punjabi dinner staples for meat lovers
From Butter Chicken to Mutton Curry: Punjabi dinner staples for meat lovers

New Delhi: Punjabi cuisine is known for its bold, hearty, and indulgent flavours, and nowhere is this more evident than in its non-vegetarian fare. From richly spiced gravies to smoky, grilled meats, Punjabi non-veg dishes are a celebration of strong aromas, vibrant colours, and satisfying textures. Whether slow-cooked to perfection or charred in a tandoor, each recipe tells a story of culinary passion passed down through generations.

Whether you’re craving something spicy, smoky, or buttery, these three classic Punjabi recipes are perfect for a hearty dinner. Here’s how to bring the taste of Punjab to your plate with detailed insights into each dish.

Punjabi dinner recipe ideas

1. Butter Chicken

A globally loved Punjabi dish, Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and mildly spiced. It features tender chicken pieces in a velvety tomato-based gravy.

Ingredients:

  • Boneless chicken (500g)
  • Yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala
  • Butter, fresh cream, tomato puree
  • Kasuri methi,  salt

Cooking Method:

  1. Marinate chicken in yoghurt and spices for 2–3 hours.
  2. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until golden.
  3. In butter, cook tomato puree, add cream and kasuri methi, and mix in grilled chicken.
  4. Simmer until it thickens. Serve hot with naan or jeera rice.

2. Amritsari Tandoori Chicken

Originating from Amritsar, this tandoori dish is a flavour bomb with its fiery red marinade and smoky char.

Ingredients:

  • Whole chicken or leg quarters
  • Yoghurt, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste
  • Tandoori masala, mustard oil, garam masala, salt

Cooking Method:

  1. Marinate chicken in a spiced yoghurt mix for 6–8 hours.
  2. Grill in a tandoor or bake at 220°C until charred and juicy.
  3. Baste with butter or ghee for extra richness.

3. Punjabi Mutton Curry

A slow-cooked, aromatic mutton curry that combines the boldness of spices with tender goat meat, often cooked in a handi for traditional depth.

Ingredients:

  • Mutton (500g), onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic paste
  • Spices: turmeric, red chilli, coriander powder, garam masala
  • Mustard oil or ghee, green chillies, coriander leaves

Cooking Method:

  1. Sauté onions until golden, add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes.
  2. Add all spices and cook the masala well.
  3. Add mutton and cook until it browns, then simmer with water until tender.
  4. Garnish with coriander and serve with rice or tandoori roti.

These three dishes represent the heart of Punjabi non-vegetarian cooking — rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re hosting guests or planning a weekend indulgence, these recipes promise to elevate your dinner table.

 Dive into the rich and hearty world of Punjabi cuisine with three must-try non-vegetarian dinner classics. From the creamy decadence of Butter Chicken to the bold spices of Punjabi Mutton Curry, each dish is a celebration of flavour.  Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips