Wrapped in the centuries-old heritage of Awadh, Kakori Kebabs are flavourful poetry. Created in the kitchen of Awadh by the Rakabdars, the melt-in-your-mouth marvels are one of the most popular delicacies of Awadh, present-day Lucknow. Owing their name to the Kakori district of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, which is famed for the Kakori conspiracy of 1925, during the Indian freedom movement and the delectable Kakori kebabs.
A Tale Of Taste, Tradition and Time
The royal kebabs of Awadh have fascinating tales of their origin. The story is linked to the Nawabs of Awadh. Kakori kebabs were born out of a culinary challenge. It was when Nawab Syed Mohammad Haider Kazmi decided to host a lavish feast for his British guests, but things did not quite go as planned. The royal feast featured signature Awadhi dishes, and amongst them were the seekh kebabs. The seekh kebabs drew a critical comment from the British guest, who described them as coarse and chewy. This remark offended the Nawab, and he ordered his rakabdars(cooks/chefs) to create a tender version of the same kebabs. The cooks spent days and nights creating a refined, tender and flavourful version of these kebabs, which gave birth to the star of kebabs. Kakori kebabs symbolise the cultural and culinary delights of Awadh.
Twining with the technique of seekh kebab, the uniqueness of kakori kebabs lies in their preparation, which makes them a flavourful delight. Finely minced mutton is combined with an array of spices, a touch of ghee, and Maliabali mangoes to tenderise the meat. This creates a toothsome texture infused with nuanced flavours for a relishing feast.
The fame of these melt-in-your-mouth kebabs isn’t just limited to Lucknow anymore; it is boundless. Their rich aroma spread beyond the village to the entire region of Awadh and now to innumerable places, becoming a delicious addition to a royal feast.
Celebrity Chef and restaurateur Varun Inamdar shares how his journey is similar to that of Kakori kebabs. In an interesting conversation with Outlook Traveller Eats, Chef Inamdar said, “ I was also made a mockery of in the culinary industry for my unconventional being and choices, but I turned criticism into a forward culinary movement just like the creation of kakori kebabs.” It is all about re-inventing yourself with time, but keeping your essence intact, that’s what kakori kebabs are for, Chef Inamdar.
If you want to try kakori kebabs at home, here’s an easy recipe by Chef Varun Inamdar for recreating this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy in your kitchen.
