Spiced Goat Head Cutlets
This traditional Parsi dish transforms tender goat head meat into savory, crispy cutlets spiced with aromatic ginger, turmeric, and fresh mint. The meat is slow-cooked until succulent, then deboned, seasoned with a rich masala paste, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a squeeze of lime or fresh chutney, these cutlets offer a unique texture and deep, savory flavor profile that highlights historical nose-to-tail cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 whole Goat head (cleaned and skinned) (Ensure it is skinned and cut into pieces (fadya) to remove hair easily.)
- 1/2 pound Onions (Originally '0.5 seer'. Approx 2 medium onions.)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger (peeled) (Originally '0.5 tola'. Approx 6g or a 1-inch piece.)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Heaping teaspoon.)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder (Heaping teaspoon.)
- 2 whole Green chilies (large) (Adjust to taste.)
- 8 leaves Mint leaves (Fresh.)
- 1 inch Cinnamon stick
- 4 whole Eggs (Divided use (1 for binding, 3 for coating).)
- 4 tablespoons Ghee (For frying. Quantity estimated.)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (Divided use (for boiling and seasoning).)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Originally 'bread cream'. Quantity estimated for coating.)
- 2 cups Water (For boiling the meat. Quantity estimated.)
Instructions
- 1Take the prepared skinned pieces of the goat head. Soak them in cold water and wash repeatedly and thoroughly to ensure all fine hairs and impurities are completely removed.
- 2Place the cleaned meat pieces in a pot with a little water and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot with a lid that can hold water on top (or simply cover tightly). Cook over a slow fire. If using a concave lid with water, replenish the water inside the pot if it dries out. Simmer until the meat is completely tender and all the liquid inside has evaporated.
- 3Once the meat is cooked and cooled, remove all meat from the bones. Discard the bones. Cut the meat into flat, cutlet-like slices or pieces.
- 4Peel the onions. Grind the onions together with the ginger, turmeric, black pepper, green chilies, mint leaves, and cinnamon stick into a fine paste.
- 5Mix the ground masala paste with 1 egg and a flat spoonful of salt. Apply this mixture over the meat slices. Coat each cutlet thoroughly with breadcrumbs on both sides.
- 6Beat the remaining eggs in a bowl. Heat ghee in a frying pan. Dip each breaded cutlet into the beaten egg wash, then fry in the hot ghee until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
You Might Also Like
Brain Cutlets (Bheja Cutlets)
A traditional Parsi delicacy transforming tender goat brains into crispy, golden cutlets. The brains are carefully poached until firm, then coated in a rich savory bread-cream binder before being fried to perfection. Soft and creamy on the inside with a delightful crunch, these cutlets offer a sophisticated texture contrast that appeals to adventurous eaters.
Spiced Brain Cutlets No. 2
Tender goat brains are transformed into savory cutlets in this traditional Parsi dish, seasoned with a robust blend of coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fresh green chilies. The soft, spiced filling is coated in semolina or breadcrumbs and pan-fried in ghee until golden and crisp, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Served hot, these cutlets make for an exquisite appetizer or side dish rich in historical flavor.
Masala Brain Cutlets
These savory spiced cutlets transform tender goat brains into a rich delicacy featuring aromatic herbs and caramelized onions. The creamy interior, seasoned with fresh coriander, mint, and green chilies, contrasts perfectly with the crispy golden semolina crust and lacy egg coating. A traditional Parsi preparation that offers a sophisticated texture and bold, spicy flavors perfect for an adventurous appetizer.
Goat Tongue Cutlets
Tender, savory goat tongues are transformed into crisp, golden cutlets in this traditional Parsi delicacy. The meat is boiled until succulent, marinated in a vibrant green paste of fresh coriander, mint, and chilies, then coated in semolina and egg for a unique 'lacey' fried texture. Rich in flavor and contrasting textures, these cutlets make an elegant appetizer or a sophisticated side dish for a special meal.