There is no dispute that Indian cuisine has received widespread praise and admiration to the point where it has carved itself a place on the culinary world map. A recent example of this passion was demonstrated by writer Ira Mukhoty, who recently heated up social media with a post on her Twitter page in which she revealed a traditional old-school kebab recipe taken from British Governor General Warren Hastings’ secret diary originates. Check it out here!
Hastings Ancient Kebab Recipe Find out more
Even as charges of corruption were about to be brought against him, Hastings enjoyed the company of Nawab Asaf at Lucknow in July 1784 and learned how to cook kebabs
British Library, Hastings private diary pic.twitter.com/fqCtch2x1L
— Ira Mukhoty (@mukhoty) February 23, 2023
This post, uploaded by an author on her Twitter account @mukhoty with the tagline “Warren Hastings Kebab Recipe,” actually left netizens intrigued by the historical event. Hastings was enjoying the company of Nawab Asaf at Lucknow in July 1784, when he was about to be charged with corruption.
Since the tweet went viral, the post has garnered a lot of traction. While some people find it really fascinating, others can’t wait to try it.
Here’s what the twitteratis had to say:
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Exquisite document. Is it “kebaub khetaai”?
– ((( 1/f ))) フェダシング / फेडसिंह (@fadesingh) February 23, 2023
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Can’t wait for a restaurant to make it!
— Lalit Lohia (@LohiaLalit) February 25, 2023
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It appears to be a version of Shami Kabab – the chana, grinding with a sil batta, etc.
— M Sharma (@MSharma920) February 24, 2023
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A recipe you must try!
Dating to July 1784, the dish originated in the royal kitchen of Nawab Asaf’s company in Lucknow. He loved the food, as the note indicates. The recipe note for the kebabs lists ingredients like ground beef (keema), egg yolks, cream, fresh onions, cardamom, and cloves, to name a few. In addition, the process of making the kebab was described: “Grind it thoroughly on a stone (silpattah), form into cakes and cook in butter, being careful not to let it stick to the pan.”
The details in this recipe are certainly intriguing and represent the Governor General’s love for kebabs. The ingredient list is extensive and we can’t wait to see how it tastes.
What do you think of this traditional recipe? Would you like to try?
Cover image courtesy of Canva
