Marinated in spiced yoghurt, Kashmiri chillies, and garlic, then roasted over roaring tandoor charcoal embers with charred edges.
Knead the mutton with the papaya paste, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and salt; refrigerate 2 hours so the papaya tenderizes the meat.
Pound or pulse the mixture with the crushed fried onions to a smooth, paste-like mince; rest 30 minutes.
With wet palms, form 2cm-thick round patties.
Shallow-fry in the ghee on medium-low heat 3-4 minutes per side until browned outside and meltingly soft inside.
Serve Lucknowi-style with ulte tawe ka paratha and green chutney.