Dum ka Murgh

Dum ka murg is a traditional dish from Hyderabad-the royal land of Nizams.

Hyderabad fondly known as the ‘Pearl City’ is an enchanting land of heritage monuments,forts,palaces, lakes, museums, gardens, software parks and more importantly a delectable cuisine fit for the kings. The once princely state was a kingdom of the wealthy and powerful Qutubshahi and Asafjahi rulers. The relics of their glorious rule can still be seen all over the city. Hyderabad has now emerged as the seat of India’s mighty Software dynasty. but what is remarkable about this city is that it has not lost  its princely charm while catering to the city’s new royalty. Hyderabadi food even today can boast of the aristocratic touch.

Interesting Facts: The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Sir Osman Ali Khan was an eccentric ruler. He was the world’s richest man until his death in 1967. He used a £50 million ostrich-egg sized diamond which weighs 184.97 carats as a paperweight,but wore a crumpled turban and same patched clothes for months. He  donated trunk loads of gold coins to the National Defence Fund of India but instructed his workers to make sure his trunks were returned because he was only donating the coins and not the trunks.He built a wardrobe half a mile long  and a mile long banquet hall in one of his palaces. The basement was full of run down trucks full of gold coins,gems and pearls. But his most precious possession were his 86 mistresses whom he tucked away in various palaces.In 1947, the Nizam  gifted a diamond tiara and diamond necklace to Princess Elizabeth when she was getting married. The necklace is still worn by the Queen.

Dum ka Murgh means Chicken cooked on slow fire. Murgh is ‘chicken’ and Dum means ‘slow cooking’. In this dish, whole chicken is marinated in spiced yogurt,tomatoes and onion gravy and cooked under and over hot charcoals. Even today it is cooked in this traditional way in Hyderabad.You can also use quartered chicken pieces with this recipe. To get the authentic royal taste,try following the recipe completely. In case you cannot manage to cook with charcoals, you can cook on low heat on stove top. Of course,it will not be the same. The best way is to place the dish over a charcoal grill and cover the lid with hot coals. The chicken becomes succulent and very flavorful. I like to add a smoky flavor to this dish. For that  place one piece of hot coal in a small steel bowl in the dish. Pour a teaspoon of ghee or oil on the coal and cover with lid. This gives a beautiful smoky flavor to the chicken.

The utensil which is used to cook the dish is called ‘Lagan’. It is flat and wide mouthed. However if using whole chicken make sure it is a little deep.

I am taking this royal dish from Hyderabad to party with my Fiesta Friday friends. FF 86 along with the gracious host Angie is being co-hosted by Judi @ cookingwithauntjuju and Quinn @ Dad Whats 4 Dinner.

Come along and join the fun…..