Galouti Kabab Recipe

Galouti Kabab Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 875 calories per serving. Recipe by Bhargain ka Chef on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 52 min | Cook: 22 min | Total: 2 hrs 29 min

Cost: $53.77 total, $13.44 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Mutton (Boneless, trimmed and cut into small pieces for grinding)
  • 200 g Mutton Fat (Cleaned and chopped into small cubes)
  • 1 tbsp Papaya Paste (Raw papaya puree used as a natural meat tenderizer)
  • 1 tbsp Kacri Powder (Traditional Awadhi spice blend (often coriander‑based))
  • 1 tbsp Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste (Fresh ginger and garlic blended into a smooth paste)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (whole) (For the roasted spice mix)
  • 10 pcs Black Cardamom Pods (Seeds removed before roasting)
  • 10 pcs Green Cardamom Pods (Seeds removed before roasting)
  • 2 tbsp Dried Rose Petals (Used in spice mix and as garnish)
  • 1 tbsp Mace (Javitri) (Ground before adding to spice mix)
  • 1 tbsp Stone Flower (Patthar ke Phool) (Also called dagad phool, toasted before grinding)
  • 9 pcs Cloves (Whole, for the spice mix)
  • 4 pcs Long Pepper (Pippali) (Whole, for the spice mix)
  • 1 tsp Shahi Jeera (Black Cumin) (Toasted lightly before grinding)
  • 1 tsp Poppy Seeds (Khuskhus) (Toasted lightly)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds (Toasted lightly)
  • 2 inches Saffron Strands (Soaked in warm water before use)
  • 1 tbsp Red Chili Powder (Kashmiri red chili powder preferred for color)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Chili Powder (Optional, adds depth)
  • 2 tbsp Kasuri Methi Powder (Dried fenugreek leaves, crushed)
  • 2 tbsp Desi Ghee (Clarified butter, for richness)
  • 2 tbsp Fried Onion Paste (Deep‑fried onions blended into a smooth paste)
  • 1 tbsp Cashew Paste (Roasted cashews ground to a fine paste)
  • 2 tbsp Roasted Chickpea Flour (Besan) (Roasted lightly before adding)
  • 1 tsp Rose Water (Adds subtle floral aroma)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Mutton

    Place the mutton pieces in a large bowl, add the chopped mutton fat, papaya paste, kacri powder, salt and ginger‑garlic paste. Mix thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

  2. Roast Whole Spices

    In a non‑stick pan over medium heat, add black pepper, black cardamom seeds, green cardamom seeds, dried rose petals, mace, stone flower, cloves, long pepper, shahi jeera, poppy seeds and cumin seeds. Roast until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Grind the Roasted Spices

    Transfer the roasted spices to a mortar and pestle (or spice grinder) and grind to a fine powder.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Grind the Marinated Meat

    Using a meat grinder, pass the marinated mutton and fat through the grinder twice for a smooth mince.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare Auxiliary Pastes

    Fry thinly sliced onions until deep brown, then blend into a paste (2 tbsp). Roast cashews lightly and grind into a smooth paste (1 tbsp). Roast chickpea flour (besan) briefly and set aside.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Combine All Ingredients

    In the mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, roasted spice powder, saffron water, red chili powder, smoked chili powder, kasuri methi, desi ghee, fried onion paste, cashew paste, roasted chickpea flour, rose water and a splash of water if needed. Mix vigorously for 5‑7 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Set Up the Dum (Smoke) Chamber

    Place a small bowl of hot charcoal in the center of a wide, shallow pan. Add a few whole cloves, a pinch of saffron strands and a drizzle of ghee over the charcoal. Quickly cover the kebab mixture (still in the bowl) with a tight‑fitting lid.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Steam (Dum) the Kebab Mixture

    Allow the kebab mixture to steam over the charcoal smoke for 10 minutes on low heat. The color will change from bright red to a pale ivory, indicating the meat is cooked through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low heat

  9. Heat the Steel Tawa

    Place the thick steel tawa on a low flame, let it warm for 2‑3 minutes, then drizzle 1‑2 tbsp desi ghee and spread evenly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Low heat

  10. Fry the Kebabs

    Using wet hands, take portions of the kebab mixture and gently shape them into flat, oval patties (about 2 cm thick). Place on the hot tawa, press lightly, and cook for 4‑5 minutes each side on medium heat until golden brown and crisp. Flip carefully to retain shape.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  11. Garnish and Serve

    Transfer the cooked kebabs to a serving platter, drizzle a little melted ghee, and garnish with fresh rose petals. Serve hot with room‑temperature naan or saffron rice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
875
Protein
60 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
55 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Nuts, Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

Allergens: Cashew, Dairy (ghee), Gluten (chickpea flour)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Galouti Kabab Recipe

Recipe by Bhargain ka Chef

A step‑by‑step recreation of Lucknow’s famous Gulab (Cloud) Kebab – tender minced mutton infused with aromatic roasted spices, saffron, cashew and chickpea flour, steamed with charcoal smoke and finished on a hot steel tawa. The recipe follows the detailed instructions from Bhargain ka Chef’s YouTube video.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 15m
Prep
58m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$53.77
Total cost
$13.44
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinate the mutton for at least 1 hour to ensure tenderness.
  • Grind the meat twice for a fine, smooth texture.
  • Roast and grind whole spices to a fine powder for authentic aroma.
  • Achieve proper dum (smoke) using hot charcoal and a tight lid.
  • Cook kebabs on low to medium flame to avoid burning and retain juiciness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw mutton with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil and ghee can cause severe burns; use long‑handled utensils.
  • Charcoal produces intense heat and smoke – keep a fire‑proof mat underneath and ensure good ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cloud Kebab (Gulab Kebab) in Lucknowi Awadhi cuisine?

A

Gulab Kebab, often called Cloud Kebab for its melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture, originated in the royal kitchens of Lucknow during the Nawabi era. It was a prized delicacy served to aristocracy, symbolising the opulence of Awadhi gastronomy.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Gulab Kebab in Awadhi cuisine?

A

In Lucknow the kebab is made with finely minced mutton, saffron, and rose water, while in nearby Delhi a milder version uses chicken. Some regions add a thin layer of egg wash before grilling, but the core technique of slow‑smoked dum remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is Gulab Kebab traditionally served in Lucknow?

A

It is usually presented on a silver platter, garnished with fresh rose petals and a drizzle of melted ghee, accompanied by room‑temperature naan, sheermal or saffron‑infused basmati rice.

cultural
Q

On which occasions is Cloud Kebab (Gulab Kebab) traditionally prepared in Lucknow?

A

Gulab Kebab is a festive dish served during weddings, Eid celebrations, and royal banquets. Its luxurious ingredients make it a centerpiece for special gatherings.

cultural
Q

How does Gulab Kebab fit into the broader Awadhi cuisine tradition?

A

Awadhi cuisine emphasizes slow cooking, delicate spices, and the use of aromatic ingredients like saffron and rose water. Gulab Kebab embodies these principles through its dum‑cooking method and fragrant spice blend.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cloud Kebab versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include mutton with its own fat, raw papaya paste, saffron, rose water, and stone flower (patthar ke phool). Substitutes can be lamb for mutton, pineapple juice for papaya, turmeric for saffron color, and regular chickpea flour if stone flower is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Awadhi dishes pair well with Gulab Kebab?

A

Gulab Kebab pairs beautifully with Lucknowi biryani, sheermal, or a simple cucumber raita. A side of shahi paneer or dal makhani also complements its richness.

cultural
Q

What makes Cloud Kebab (Gulab Kebab) special or unique in Awadhi cuisine?

A

Its unique feature is the combination of a tender, melt‑in‑the‑mouth meat texture achieved by fine grinding and a fragrant dum‑smoke process that infuses the kebab with saffron and rose aromas, unlike typical grilled kebabs.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cloud Kebab (Gulab Kebab) at home?

A

Common errors include over‑grinding the meat causing it to become mushy, using stale spices that dull the aroma, and cooking on high heat which burns the exterior before the interior is cooked. Follow the low‑heat dum and gentle frying steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Gulab Kebab recipe use charcoal‑dum instead of an oven?

A

Charcoal‑dum provides a natural, smoky infusion that an oven cannot replicate. The slow release of aromatic smoke from cloves, saffron and ghee creates the signature cloud‑like fragrance and texture of the kebab.

technical
Q

Can I make Cloud Kebab (Gulab Kebab) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Marinate the meat overnight, grind it a day ahead, and keep the mixture refrigerated. After shaping, you can freeze the raw kebabs for up to a month and finish cooking directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes on the tawa.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Bhargain ka Chef specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Bhargain ka Chef specializes in authentic North Indian, especially Lucknowi (Awadhi) home‑cooked recipes, focusing on traditional techniques, detailed step‑by‑step explanations, and cultural storytelling.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Bhargain ka Chef's approach to Awadhi cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Bhargain ka Chef emphasizes hands‑on preparation of classic royal dishes, often using traditional tools like a meat grinder and charcoal dum, whereas many other channels favor shortcut appliances or modern shortcuts that can compromise authentic flavor.

channel

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