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Masu Thali (मासु थाली)

About Masu Thali (मासु थाली)

Masu Thali, meaning "meat platter," is a quintessential Nepali meal, particularly popular among meat-loving communities. It showcases a variety of meat preparations, often accompanied by classic Nepali side dishes like dal (lentil soup), rice, and vegetables. It's a hearty and flavorful representation of Nepali cuisine, often enjoyed during celebrations, gatherings, and special occasions.

Picture of Masu Thali

History

The history of Masu Thali in Nepal is deeply intertwined with the country's diverse ethnic groups and their culinary traditions. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, it's safe to say that the concept of enjoying a variety of meat preparations on a single platter has evolved over centuries. Nepal's history is marked by a primarily agrarian society with a significant population engaged in farming and animal husbandry. Over time, communities developed different ways of preparing meat, influenced by their local spices, available ingredients, and traditional cooking methods. The 'Thali' concept, which is common across South Asia, of serving a full meal on a single platter, became a central part of Nepali dining. Over time, various styles of meat preparation have been incorporated into the Masu Thali, from slow-cooked stews to tandoori style grilled and fried meats.

Fact 1

Masu Thali is not a single, standardized dish, but rather a concept, and the specific items included vary depending on the region, restaurant, and the chef's preference.

How to prepare?

Mutton - 500 gramsChicken - 500 gramsBuff (Optional) - 500 gramsOnions - 2 large, finely choppedTomatoes - 2-3 medium, choppedGinger-Garlic Paste - 2 tablespoonsCooking Oil - 4 tablespoonsTurmeric Powder - 1 teaspoonCumin Powder - 1 teaspoonCoriander Powder - 2 teaspoonChilli Powder - 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)Garam Masala - 1 teaspoonSalt - To tasteFresh Coriander Leaves - For garnishRice - 1.5 cupsLentils - 1 cupSpinach - 2 cups choppedPotatoes - 2 medium, cubedRadish Pickle - to taste

Learn step by step to prepare Masu Thali

  • 1
    Prepare the Meat: Cut the meat into appropriate sized pieces and marinade with ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, salt and lemon.
  • 2
    Make the meat dishes: Cook each of the meats (mutton, chicken, buff (if using)) separately using onion, tomato, ginger garlic paste, and spices, until tender and flavorful using your preferred methods: e.g. in a pressure cooker for stews, pan fry for fried items, tandoor for grilling.
  • 3
    Cook the dal: Boil lentils with turmeric and salt in a pressure cooker or pot until soft. Temper with cumin seeds, dried red chili, and asafoetida.
  • 4
    Cook the Vegetables: Prepare a simple vegetable curry such as spinach or potato using onion, tomato, ginger garlic paste and spices.
  • 5
    Cook the Rice: Cook rice in a pot or rice cooker as per your preference.
  • 6
    Prepare the Accompaniments: Serve a portion of radish pickle or any other pickle along with the thali.
  • 7
    Assemble the Thali: Arrange the cooked meat preparations, rice, dal, vegetables, and pickle on a large platter (thali).
  • 8
    Garnish and Serve: Garnish the thali with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
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