Champaran Meat: A Culinary Delight from Bihar

Patna: Champaran meat, also known as Ahuna, handi meat, or batlohi, hails from Champaran, a district in Bihar. This delectable dish involves marinating meat in a blend of mustard oil, ghee, garlic, onions, ginger, and a spice paste. The marinated meat is then cooked in a handi (earthenware pot) whose mouth is sealed with kneaded flour.

“Ahuna Mutton Curry,” another name for Champaran Mutton, is slow-cooked over charcoal in these sealed earthen pots. The marination includes onions, crushed ginger-garlic, whole garlic bulbs, whole green chilies, freshly ground spices, turmeric, red chili powder, mustard oil, and a touch of ghee. This combination creates a rich, irresistible flavor that food lovers rave about.

The cooking process is unique. The sealed pot is shaken occasionally instead of stirring, allowing the meat to cook in its own juices and steam without any added water. This technique ensures the mutton becomes tender and succulent, with an aroma that’s simply irresistible.

Champaran meat is typically served with rice or any Indian flatbread, accompanied by a salad. Its rich flavors and tender texture have made it a favorite among food enthusiasts.