Bihari Qeema

 Bihari Qeema 

is a delicious and flavorful minced meat dish originating from the Indian state of Bihar. It is a popular dish in the region and is typically served with rice, roti (Indian bread), or naan.

        

 Here's a recipe for Bihari Qeema:

Ingredients:

500 grams minced meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)

2 onions, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

2 green chilies, finely chopped

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder

1/4 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons oil

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until it changes color and starts to brown.

Now, add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and all the spices including coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the meat cook for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom.

Once the meat is cooked and tender, add yogurt to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

Sprinkle garam masala powder over the cooked meat and give it a final stir.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Enjoy the flavorful Bihari Qeema!

1 tablespoon Bihari masala (optional)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Ghee or clarified butter (for added richness, optional)

If you want to enhance the flavor, you can add Bihari masala to the qeema. Bihari masala is a spice blend commonly used in Bihari cuisine. You can find it in Indian grocery stores or make your own by combining roasted cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, and cardamom pods. Add 1 tablespoon of the masala to the qeema and mix well.

Squeeze in the juice of a lemon for a tangy kick. This will brighten up the flavors of the dish.

Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the qeema. Kasuri methi adds a unique aroma and taste to the dish.

For an extra touch of richness, you can melt some ghee or clarified butter in a separate small pan and drizzle it over the qeema before serving. This step is optional but adds a delicious flavor.

Give the qeema a final stir, allowing all the ingredients to come together. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Remove from heat and transfer the Bihari Qeema to a serving dish.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Bihari Qeema is a delightful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors. Enjoy!

Tips:

If you prefer a spicier qeema, you can increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies according to your taste.

While cooking the qeema, you may need to add a little water if it becomes too dry. Add water in small amounts to maintain the desired consistency.

For a richer and more indulgent flavor, you can use a combination of minced meat, such as beef and lamb, instead of just one type.

Adjust the cooking time depending on the type and quality of minced meat you are using. Lamb and beef generally require more cooking time compared to chicken.

Variations:

Bihari Qeema can also be prepared with other ingredients like peas or potatoes. You can add them along with the minced meat to make it a more wholesome dish.

Some variations of Bihari Qeema include the addition of fried onions (birista) for extra flavor and texture. You can prepare birista by frying thinly sliced onions until golden brown and crispy, and then sprinkle them on top of the qeema before serving.

Another variation is to add a handful of chopped mint leaves along with the coriander leaves for a refreshing twist.

If you prefer a creamier qeema, you can add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.

Marination: 

To enhance the flavor of the minced meat, you can marinate it before cooking. Combine the minced meat with ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for more intense flavors.

Smoked Flavor: 

To give a smoky aroma and taste to the Bihari Qeema, you can use the traditional method of "dhungar." Heat a small piece of charcoal until it becomes red hot. Place the hot charcoal in a small metal bowl and place the bowl in the center of the cooked qeema. Drizzle a little ghee or oil over the charcoal and cover the pan immediately. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the qeema to absorb the smoky flavor.

Add Nutty Texture: 

For added texture and richness, you can add roasted and crushed peanuts or cashews to the qeema. This will give a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch.

Vegetable Variation: 

Bihari Qeema can be made with vegetables as well. You can substitute or combine minced meat with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, or potatoes to make it a vegetarian or mixed qeema dish.

Fresh Herbs: 

Along with coriander leaves, you can add other fresh herbs like mint leaves or fenugreek leaves (methi) to enhance the aroma and freshness of the qeema.

Garnish with Fried Onions: 

For an added burst of flavor, garnish the Bihari Qeema with crispy fried onions (birista). You can prepare them by frying thinly sliced onions until golden brown and crispy.

Serve with Accompaniments: 

Bihari Qeema is often enjoyed with various accompaniments such as raita (yogurt sauce), pickles, sliced onions, and lemon wedges. These accompaniments complement the flavors of the qeema and add a refreshing touch to the meal.

Spices: 

Bihari cuisine is known for its robust and aromatic spices. You can enhance the flavor of Bihari Qeema by adding whole spices such as bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and black cardamom pods. Add these spices while sautéing the onions for a fragrant base.

Yogurt Substitute: 

If you prefer a dairy-free version or do not have yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with coconut milk. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the qeema.

Tamarind Paste: 

For a tangy twist, you can add a teaspoon of tamarind paste to the qeema. Tamarind adds a sour note that balances the flavors and gives a unique taste to the dish.

Nutritional Boost: 

To increase the nutritional value of the qeema, you can add finely chopped spinach or other leafy greens. They will add vitamins and minerals while blending well with the flavors of the dish.

Roasted Ground Spices: 

For a deeper and smoky flavor, you can roast whole spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and black peppercorns. Allow them to cool, and then grind them into a powder. Add this homemade spice blend to the qeema for an extra layer of flavor.

Slow Cooking:

If you have time, you can cook the Bihari Qeema on low heat for a longer duration. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

Leftover Qeema: 

Bihari Qeema makes for a great leftover dish. You can use it as a filling for stuffed parathas or as a topping for naan bread. It's a versatile option for a quick and tasty meal.

Side Accompaniments: 

Serve Bihari Qeema with traditional Bihari side dishes like sattu ka paratha (flatbread made with roasted gram flour), baingan bharta (roasted eggplant dip), or kachumber salad (a fresh cucumber and tomato salad).

Feel free to explore these variations and adapt the Bihari Qeema recipe to your liking. Enjoy the flavorful journey of Bihari cuisine!