The beef ban in Maharashtra – with other states set to follow– has evoked howls of protest. And you thought it was about religious norms, right-wing principles and other such lofty ideas. Wrong! All that the ‘we-want-beef’ brigade wants is to be allowed to carry on eating the stuff they love. Here’s what we think is causing the furore:
No more Kerala Nadan Beef Fry
Image courtesy: allindiaroundup.com
The angst over this eventuality extends far beyond God’s Own Country. For this rustic dish of beef, slow-fried in the fragrant spices the state is known for, is a hit everywhere with beef-eaters. With its black pepper kick and the fragrance of coconut oil and curry leaves, you can understand what the outcry is about.
No more Thattukada Beef Curry
The beef fry, or olarthiyathu, has travelled far, but this thattukada staple has stayed more rooted. When the liquour flowed more freely in Kerala, a meal of parota and a big helping of thattukada beef curry was the perfect way to round off a night of drinking. The drink went, and now the beef, too?
Image courtesy: i.ytimg.com
No more Goan Roast Beef Chilli Fry
In Goa, they love their meat – especially beef and pork. The chilli fry is a much-loved dish, requiring quite a lot preparation. The beef is first pot roasted with spices till tender, then sliced and fried up to make the chilli fry. Excellent to nibble on with some feni from the farm on the side. Imagine doing without this one!
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No more Anglo-Indian Beef Croquettes
A favourite at the Anglo-Indian table, these crumb-fried morsels make delicious snacks. Spiced beef mince is bound together with mashed potates, crumbed and deep-fried till golden brown. It’ll be a sad day when those who love these croquettes can’t tuck into them anymore.
Beef lovers in Kolkata know where the best beef kebabs are – on Colootola Street near Nakhoda Masjid. A line-up of street stalls here sell beef kebabs, the kheeri being particularly popular, and the aroma of grilling meat fills the air. A ban means kebab fans will miss their fix so badly.
