Spiced grilled goat chops

Growing up in a joint family is a blessing, though you might not be as sure about the blessing bit all through. I know I am not. There have been so many instances when I have felt like leaving it all — the strict uncle, the garrulous aunt, the interfering aunt, the elder cousins who are forever pulling your leg, grand mum who refuses to see reason, the younger cousin who argues just a little too much, and of course your parents who are as crazy as the rest of them — and running away for good. But then come those moments of togetherness, those evenings of unbridled banter, the midnight laughter that keeps the neighbourhood awake, the impromptu jams with Dada on the guitar while the rest of us sing in unison and not always in tune, just to see my dad and uncle walk down memory lane together and I am convinced that what I have had is priceless.This is where I belong and this is where I am all that I can be.


In a joint family everything is massive — the fights are massive, the fun is massive and the meals are massive too.And we do not need guests to host a party. We are 13 of us and we are enough to get a party going. So my eldest brother (we do not use the term cousin and take serious offense if any one of us introduces the others as cousins) after evading marriage for the longest time finally got caught in the net and tied the knot last week. The social do is yet to happen but he is legally hitched. Phew. And last evening we wanted to treat the brand new couple to a home-cooked feast Yeah there had been a party for close friends and extended family last weekend but we were craving an intimate do. My other sister-in-law and I were in charge of the cooking and boy did we send the taste quotient through the roof. We weren't exactly at our most confident because cooking for Dada isn't easy. He is extremely finicky and has specifications which can drive the most seasoned cook up the wall.

We were nervous yes, but such is the kick of cooking for your loved ones that we couldn't but be our best. I was in charge of the starters and for starters we had Grilled coriander fish and Grilled goat chops done with Desi spices. And the ribs were such a delight that my brother wanted it for breakfast this morning, alas there were no leftovers. So I wanted to share the dish with you guys. I apologize for the pictures though, I had to fight to take the pictures. No one was ready to wait and I just managed to point and click. But this dish is a definite winner.

Ingredients 

Mutton ribs - 1kg
Minced papaya - 4tbsp
Vinegar- 2tbsp
Salt to taste
Oil - 5-6 tbsp
Kashmiri red chili powder - 1 tbsp
Garlic paste- 2 tbsp
Ginger paste - 1 tbsp
Green chili paste - 2 tbsp
Cinnamon powder - 1tsp

Spices to roast and grind together 

Cardamom- 6-8
Cloves - 6-8
Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
Peppercorns - 5-6
Dry red chilies - 5-6
Whole Coriander - 4tbsp
Whole cumin - 1 tbsp
Whole fenugreek - 1tsp
Fennel seeds - 1tbsp

Method 

Marinate the meat with all the ingredients and the roasted spice mix,  and refrigerate for  at least 24 hours.

Bring out from the fridge at least a hour in advance before cooking it. Grill the ribs on a charcoal grill (or  in the oven) until the meat is tender.

Serve with a typical coriander mint chutney.