Spicy and Flavorful Karahi Gosht: A Traditional Pakistani Dish

Ingredients

  • 750 grams of mutton, cut into pieces
  • 4 medium size tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 3 medium size onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 2 green chillies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a pan and add the finely chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
  2. Add the ginger and garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Add the mutton pieces into the pan and cook on medium heat until they turn brown, this should take around 10-15 minutes.
  4. Once the mutton is browned, add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chillies into the pan and mix well. Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes are cooked and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
  6. At this point, add salt according to taste, garam masala powder, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Finally, add 2 cups of water to the pan, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for about 40-45 minutes or until the mutton is tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Pan - A large, deep-bottomed pan to cook the Karahi Gosht.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the mutton and vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the spices and lemon juice.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Cover/Lid - To cover the pan while simmering the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Karahi: Substitute mutton with bone-in chicken pieces for a chicken karahi version.
  • Vegetarian Karahi: Replace the meat with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Spicy Karahi: Increase the amount of red chilli powder or add additional green chillies for an extra spicy version.
  • Creamy Karahi: Add a dollop of fresh cream or yogurt towards the end of cooking for a creamy twist.
  • Spinach Karahi: Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the karahi for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Smoky Karahi: Infuse a smoky flavor by adding a piece of charcoal to the cooked karahi, heating it until it turns red, and placing it in a small bowl in the center of the karahi. Drizzle a little oil on the charcoal and cover the pan immediately for a few minutes to allow the smoky flavor to infuse.
  • Extra Garlic Karahi: Increase the amount of garlic paste for garlic lovers.
  • Low-Fat Karahi: Use lean cuts of meat and reduce the amount of oil used for a healthier version.

Recipe overview

Karahi Gosht is a popular and delicious dish hailing from the Indian subcontinent, particularly acclaimed in the regions of Pakistan, North India and Bangladesh. This meaty delight, typically prepared with mutton, is known for its distinctive flavor that comes from a blend of various aromatic spices. The dish is named after the 'karahi', a type of cooking pot used traditionally in Indian and Pakistani cooking. This recipe will help you prepare Karahi Gosht right in your kitchen with a bouquet of vibrant, easily accessible ingredients. It involves sautéing mutton in a medley of spices and then slow cooking it to perfection. The use of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and green chillies not only enhance the taste but also add a delightfully vibrant look to the dish. Despite its rich and complex flavors, Karahi Gosht is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for family dinners or festive occasions. With this recipe, you can expect a dish that's high on flavor and comfort, perfect to pair with naan or rice. Enjoy the process of cooking this traditional dish and the joyful moments of savoring it with your loved ones.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken instead of mutton?
    Yes, you can substitute mutton with chicken in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken takes less time to cook compared to mutton.
  2. What can I serve with Karahi Gosht?
    Karahi Gosht is often served with naan, roti, or steamed rice. It pairs well with raita (yogurt sauce) and salad as side dishes.
  3. Can I make Karahi Gosht in advance?
    Yes, you can make Karahi Gosht in advance. Simply reheat it before serving.
  4. How can I make the dish spicier?
    If you prefer a spicier Karahi Gosht, you can increase the amount of red chilli powder or add chopped green chillies to the recipe. Adjust the spiciness according to your taste.
  5. Can I use pre-ground spices instead of whole spices?
    Yes, you can use pre-ground spices instead of whole spices. However, whole spices provide a more aromatic flavor. If using pre-ground spices, reduce the quantity by half to maintain the balance of flavors.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A sturdy and wide-bottomed pan for cooking the Karahi Gosht.
  • Chopping board - To chop the onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
  • Knife - For cutting the mutton into pieces and chopping the vegetables.
  • Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the spices and lemon juice.
  • Cover or lid - To cover the pan while simmering the Karahi Gosht.
  • Serving dish - To serve the prepared Karahi Gosht.

Origin stories

Karahi Gosht takes its name from the utensil in which it is cooked: a 'karahi', or 'kadai', which is a type of thick, circular, and deep cooking pot similar in shape to a wok but with steeper sides, popular in Indian subcontinent. The dish itself is a staple in North Indian and Pakistani cuisines and is known for its rich and spicy flavors. The cooking technique is a testament to the region's culinary tradition where meat is slow-cooked with aromatic spices, creating a hearty dish that is often enjoyed with naan or rice. What's particularly interesting is how the karahi's design aids in the cooking process; its deep bottom is ideal for searing meat and the rounded sides perfect for stirring the ingredients, ensuring even heating and a well-cooked, flavorful meal. This dish is often served at festive occasions, reflecting the region's hospitality and love for robust, spicy foods.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.