02 October,2010 06:54 AM IST | | Melissa D'costa
Caterer Shabnam Merchant uses traditional Khoja Muslim cooking techniques and recipes to make healthy biryanis and kebabs out of her kitchen in Bandra
Bandra resident Shabnam Merchant specialises in home-style Khoja Muslim food and has been in the catering business for the past two years. Shabnam uses the traditional Khoja method of slow cooking to enhance the flavour of dishes, which unlike Mughlai cuisine is not rich and dripping with oil.
Shabnam stirs some vegetable raita placed in front of servings of Coorgi
Mutton Biryani and Murg Anarkali Biryani. Pics/ Mahesh Chafe
Shabnam's culinary repertoire includes a mint-infused Coorgi Mutton Biryani (Rs 650/ kg), adapted from a traditional Karnataka recipe, Muthiya (Rs 800/kg for veg and Rs 600 for non-veg), a hot stew pot, which is a Khoja speciality that's consumed in copious amounts in the winter months, Junagadi Kebab (Rs 15 per piece), Nargisi Kebab (Rs 15 per piece) and Nargisi Kofta (Rs 30 per piece).
Shabnam's kitchen
For the health conscious, Shabnam recommends the Chinese Meat Loaf (Rs 100), which has generous amounts of coriander, the Grilled Paneer Pasanda (Rs 15 per piece) with onions, mint and coriander sandwiched between two square pieces of paneer, and the steamed Desi Cuts, cold cuts flavoured with coriander (Rs 15 per piece).
If you're keen on trying something more substantial, opt for the Yakhni Pulao (Rs 650/ kg ), Murg Anarkali Biryani (Rs 650/ kg), a sweet, spicy and sour biryani preparation, made with chicken cubes marinated in tikka masala and cooked in pomegranate juice, or gravy-based dishes including the Dabba Chicken (Rs 120), Murg Masala (Rs 150), Murg Kali Mirch (Rs 150) and Butter Chicken (Rs 150).
Inspired cooking
The 41 year-old has not received any formal training in cooking, which might explain her desire to constantly try innovative recipes like Chinese Boats (Rs 25 per piece), Russian Cutlets (Rs 18 per piece), Chicken Flower Balls (Rs 18 per piece), Eggplant Wallet (Rs 18 per piece) and Cheesy Chicken Crepes (Rs 200 for 12 pieces).
Terms and conditions apply
There is no delivery charge for residents living between Pali Mala Road and Reclamation in Bandra West. Those living beyond Bandra have to pay a one-way taxi fee. Shabnam caters for a minimum of five to a maximum of 30 people. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance. Minimum order is half a kilo for those staying in Bandra and Rs 1,000 for those staying beyond Bandra. Pay half the amount in advance and the rest on delivery.
Call 9819078365
Chutney, salsa and vegetable raita are served complimentary.
Other dishes include:
Cheesy Chutney Crispies
(Rs 375/ kg)
Paneer Tava Pulao (Rs 600/ kg)
Kofta Biryani (Rs 650/ kg)
Paneer Kasoori (Rs 150/ per plate)
Murg Tikka (Rs 375/ kg)
