Gola Kebab (Indian Style Meat Balls) Recipe
Description:
Gola Kebab, an iconic delicacy hailing from the vibrant city of Lucknow, is a deliciously spiced, pan-roasted mutton meatball appetizer. These tender and juicy mutton meatballs are a great side dish to any vegetarian meal and are particularly suited for serving as a starter or finger food at parties. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity—it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and requires only a handful of ingredients. With minimal oil used for cooking, these kebabs are light yet flavorful, making them an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a scrumptious dish without worrying about excess calories. If you have leftovers, simply pack them into a paratha for a satisfying lunchbox treat.
Cuisine: Lucknowi
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions (chopped) | 80 grams |
| Mutton (boneless, small pieces) | 200 grams |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 whole |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 2 pods/seeds |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch stick |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As required for frying |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4-6 people
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Heat a pan with a little oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for a few minutes until they become soft and turn a light pinkish color. -
Add the Ginger Garlic Paste:
Stir in the ginger garlic paste and sauté for about 20 seconds, allowing it to release its aromatic flavors. -
Cook the Mutton:
Add the chopped mutton pieces to the pan, followed by the red chili powder, turmeric powder, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the mutton releases all its water and the liquid evaporates, leaving the meat dry and tender. -
Grind the Mixture:
Once the mutton is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a food processor and grind it into a smooth dough-like consistency, without adding any water. -
Shape the Kebabs:
Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the mixture from sticking. Take small portions of the ground mutton mixture and shape them into round balls, roughly the size of ping-pong balls. Set them aside. -
Fry the Kebabs:
Heat some oil in a wok over medium heat for shallow frying. Once the oil is hot, gently add the mutton balls and fry them until they turn golden brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the kebabs from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. -
Serve:
Serve the Gola Kebabs hot with fresh Dhaniya Pudina Chutney or your favorite dipping sauce as a side dish or a starter for your party guests.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Meat (Mutton), so it’s not suitable for vegetarians.
- Contains Onions and Spices which may cause mild allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Oil is used for frying, which can be omitted if desired, though this will affect the final texture and flavor of the dish.
Dietary Preferences:
- This recipe is Non-Vegetarian.
- Gluten-Free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
- Low-Calorie due to the minimal use of oil, making it a healthier option compared to deep-fried kebabs.
Tips:
- If you want an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of garam masala to the mixture while grinding the meat.
- For added freshness, garnish the kebabs with a sprinkle of chopped mint or coriander leaves before serving.
- These kebabs can be frozen before frying. Simply shape them into balls and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Fry them fresh when ready to serve.
Conclusion:
Gola Kebab is a delightful, simple-to-make appetizer that brings the bold flavors of Lucknow to your table. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or just craving a savory snack, these juicy, spiced meatballs are sure to impress. Their easy preparation, minimal calorie count, and versatility make them a perfect choice for anyone looking to serve a flavorful, satisfying dish. Try these Gola Kebabs at your next gathering and watch your guests come back for more!
