"Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la."
The music makes me merry and so does this season of Christmas were families come together and friends nearer. Christmas for me is very special were we get more time to spend as a family and go to church remember the birth of Christ and giving gifts to the needy. My school was one big inspiration during Christmas where we used to bring gifts to the lowly and as kids we used to save money to do this. We would then make cards for our parents, sings carols, watch Christmas plays and another important thing is end up with chocolates :-) For more Christmas Recipes, check out my Christmas Menu HERE
But today sitting in freezing temperatures, sipping coffee and remembering some old times does make things warm. I do sound like a granny :P but the fact is I miss home, stuck up in this situation all I do is dream of good old days. And as I was filled with thoughts of home I suddenly remembered Amma's curried Meat balls, quickly called her to get the recipe and here it is.
Meat balls/ Curried meat patties is really versatile and usually while frying them we always wonder if the meat will get cooked right? here the meat is pre-cooked and just fried for a golden brown color. Tell me which party won't have fried stuff? I have done this recipe in two variations both taste great. I have not deep-fried but shallow fried and did not use bread crumbs whatsoever :-) read the recipe to know more
Ingredients
To grind
Corriander/mint leaves - 10-12
Green chilli - 4-5
Sombu/ aniseed - 1/2 tsp
Ginger - i inch chopped
Garlic - 4-5 pods
For the masala
Green chilli - 4-5
Sombu/ aniseed - 1/2 tsp
Ginger - i inch chopped
Garlic - 4-5 pods
For the masala
500 gms Mutton/ Lamb Keema/mince
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
Oil - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
Corriander powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Roasted gram dal - 2 tbsp (for binding)
Method 1 - to do Mini Kheema Puffs
Oil - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
Corriander powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Roasted gram dal - 2 tbsp (for binding)
- Pressure cook the kheema with 1/4 cup water along with turmeric, garam masala and salt for 4-5 whistles, switch off the stove and let the pressure gradually release. Open the lid check if the meat is cooked and makes sure that all the water has evaporated if not then cook for some more time with lid open.
- In a non stick pan heat oil saute onions and add ground paste and the keema, mix well and add the remaining masalas (red chilli and corriander powder) let it cook until well combine,check for salt and let it cook completely.
- Next follow the method that you want to do
Method 1 - to do Mini Kheema Puffs
- Thaw ready made puff pastry sheets for 20 mins and cut into square shapes fill them with 1 tsp meat and cover them binding with little water.
- Do an egg wash and line on foiled baking tray and bake at 180C for 20 mins or as per puff pastry instructions.
Method 2 - to make Keema Balls
- Grind roasted gram dal into powder about 2 tbsp and mix into the keema mix and roll them into firm balls.
- Heat oil for sallow fry and fry them until golden brown on all sides
Serve hot with hot tomato sauce and some cold drinks :-)
Cooks Wisdom
- using gram dal helps in binding the meat together, if you don't prefer it this way then dip balls in egg/flour & water mix and coat them with bread crumbs and fry
- Since the meat is cooked in pressure cooker frying them just to brown will do
- Using ready made puff pastry is easy and can be cut into any shapes that you like
Cooks Wisdom
- using gram dal helps in binding the meat together, if you don't prefer it this way then dip balls in egg/flour & water mix and coat them with bread crumbs and fry
- Since the meat is cooked in pressure cooker frying them just to brown will do
- Using ready made puff pastry is easy and can be cut into any shapes that you like
Yummy snacks..
ReplyDeleteLovely clicks and nice presentation.
Lovely kheema balls & puffs. Interesting one.
ReplyDeleteLuvly clicks!!!soo tempting....looks adorable..
ReplyDeleteAdorable puffs.. Can't wait to try this.
ReplyDeleteThanks :)
Wow yummy
ReplyDeletelove that meat balls and cute puffs...
ReplyDeleteLooks perfect
ReplyDeleteyummy..
ReplyDeletewoww..yumm...
ReplyDeleteIt looks so christmassy ..love it :)
ReplyDeletelovely idea...meat balls/puffs looks so appetizing...nice clicks!!
ReplyDeleteNice combination, looks colorful tempting us to make it today...Nice blog, I love it and following it too....
ReplyDeleteThank you for the DMBLGIT entry, this platter of party snacks look good!
ReplyDeleteWow..Priya...I'm drooling for some...shall I take a bite?
ReplyDeleteyummy meatballs
ReplyDeleteyummy treat sis.school days are wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteFirs thing that caught my eye was the interesting shape of the puffs. Anyways love both the dishes with same base.. Can have variety without not much work..
ReplyDeleteWow...Celebration is on here...Nice starters Priya.
ReplyDeleteWow...Celebration is on here...Nice starters Priya.
ReplyDeleteSuper starter, so tempting...
ReplyDeleteToday's Special - Eggless Rasmalai from Scratch
Lovely apperitive food! Both creations look amazing and ever so mouthwatering.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
Am drooling here. Loved the puffs a lot...
ReplyDeleteAm gonna book my tickets to UK to celebrate xmas with u Priya, can guess how your xmas dinner table will be filled with delicious dishes..Wat do you say,shall i invite myself there:p.
ReplyDeleteawww that must be superb... Sure Priya aks :) you are most welcome anytime, would love to feast you with more ;) when are you coming???
Deletemeat balls are tempting me priya..Am eagerly waiting for ur invite....ur clicks are so lovely:)
ReplyDeletemeat balls are tempting me priya..Am eagerly waiting for ur invite to taste all ur christmas treat...ur clicks are lovey:)
ReplyDeleteMy mouth is watering, simple but fabulous!
ReplyDeleteVery mouthwatering yummy snacks dear. Lovely clicks too.
ReplyDeletevery nice presentation of yummy snack... hmmm... mouth-watering too....
ReplyDeleteWow it looks beautiful and yummy! Nice recipe.
ReplyDelete