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What is Sikanderi Raan?

Sikanderi Raan is roasted hind legs of young goat. It dates back to 327 BC with a unique history
Alexander the great defeated Oxyartes of Balkh in Bactria (now Uzbekistan), and captured Sogdian mountain fortress in 327BC. Alexander took Oxyates's 16 year daughter Roxane (Roshanak) as a prisoner. Alexander fell in love and married Roxane as a symbol of peace and respect. At the wedding, roasted leg of baby goat was served. Roxane followed Alexander when he invaded India in 326BC. In India, Alexander was called as Sikander. Alexander marched on to plains covered by river Jhemum and defeated Raja Porus of Takesilla near Jalalpur. Porus requested that he be treated as a king by another king. On the battle field, roasted hind leg of baby goat was served as a symbol of peace treaty.
Alexander was called as Sikander, hind legs of goat are called 'Raan'. 'Sikanderi Raan'  become a symbol of friendship and peace treaties.
Sikanderi Raan is a signature dish served at 'Bukhara Restaurant' part of Maurya Sheraton hotel in New Delhi. In 2000, 'Sikanderi Raan' was served to President Bill Clinton and became a part of 'Presidential Platter. In 2009, 'Sikanderi Raan' was served to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and became a part of 'Hillary Platter'

In the olden days, the hind legs of baby goat were marinated with a simple mixture of lime juice, salt and black pepper. The marinated leg was roasted in a spit.
Modern recipes vary all over the place. One aspect remains constant. One must choose the hind legs of baby goat (less than 9 months old). Each leg weighs about 2.5 pounds to 3 pounds. The hind leg of baby goat is meatier with more fat.
At Bukhara restaurant, it is believed that the leg is rubbed with a paste of garlic ginger salt and hot red chili powder. The leg is rested for a few hours and than braised in a mixture of vinegar water cinnamon cumin and bay leaf for about 2 to 3 hours. The braised leg is than air-dried for about 5 to 6 hours. Air dried leg is baked in Tandoor for about 20 minutes on as needed basis.