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| Lamb/Mutton Karahi Recipe |
If you're looking for a dish that's both flavorful and easy to prepare, then look no further than Lamb/Mutton Karahi. This popular Pakistani dish is a rich and hearty curry made with tender lamb or mutton, cooked in a wok with a blend of aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, onions, and ginger.
In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to prepare a delicious Lamb/Mutton Karahi at home, with ingredients and instructions that are easy to follow, even for novice cooks. We'll also share tips on how to customize the recipe to your taste, and answer some frequently asked questions about this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
To make a perfect Lamb/Mutton Karahi, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb or mutton, boneless, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 green chillies, sliced
- 3 medium-sized tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
Preparation Time
Preparing the ingredients for the Lamb/Mutton Karahi takes around 20-30 minutes. You need to chop the onions, tomatoes, and green chillies, grate the ginger, and mince the garlic. Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start cooking.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for Lamb/Mutton Karahi is around 40-50 minutes. It takes some time to cook the lamb or mutton until it becomes tender and juicy, but the result is well worth it.
Serving Size
The recipe we're sharing serves 4-6 people, depending on the portion size.
Difficulty Level
This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. You don't need any special cooking skills or equipment to make it, just a wok or a deep pan and a few basic ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown.
- Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced green chillies, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add the salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder, and mix well.
- Add the boneless lamb or mutton pieces and mix well, so that they are coated with the spices.
- Cover the wok or the pan and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
- Once the Lamb/Mutton Karahi is cooked, garnish it with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh ingredients to get the best flavor. Fresh tomatoes, onions, and ginger will make a huge difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Don't overcook the meat, as it can become tough and dry. Keep an eye on it while it's cooking, and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the wok.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. If you prefer a milder Karahi, reduce the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies. If you like it spicier, add more.
- You can also add other vegetables to the Karahi, such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes, to make it more nutritious and colorful.
- If you're short on time, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the meat faster. Just follow the same steps until you add the meat, then cover the pressure cooker and cook for 10-15 minutes on high pressure.
Variations
Lamb/Mutton Karahi is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations you can try:
- Chicken Karahi: Substitute the lamb or mutton with boneless chicken pieces, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Karahi: Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, cauliflower, or broccoli.
- Fish Karahi: Use boneless fish fillets, such as cod or tilapia, instead of meat, and cook for a shorter time, about 10-15 minutes.
- Shahi Karahi: Add cream or yogurt to the Karahi, to make it richer and creamier.
Health Benefits
Lamb/Mutton Karahi is a nutritious dish that provides several health benefits. Here are some of them:
- Protein: The meat in the Karahi is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles and tissues.
- Vitamins and minerals: The tomatoes, onions, and ginger in the Karahi are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
- Antioxidants: The spices in the Karahi, such as turmeric and cumin, are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Digestive health: The spices in the Karahi, especially ginger and cumin, are known to aid digestion and relieve bloating and gas.
FAQs
Can I use lamb and mutton interchangeably in the recipe?
Yes, you can use either lamb or mutton, depending on your preference. Lamb is usually more tender and mild in flavor, while mutton is more flavorful and can take longer to cook.
Can I make the Karahi without green chillies?
Yes, you can omit the green chillies if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also use red chilli powder instead, but reduce the amount to avoid making the Karahi too spicy.
Can I make the Karahi in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make the Karahi ahead of time and reheat it later. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Use about 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes, drained, for the recipe.
What is the best way to serve Lamb/Mutton Karahi?
Lamb/Mutton Karahi is traditionally served with naan bread or steamed rice, but you can also serve it with roti or paratha, or as a side dish with a main course.
Conclusion
Lamb/Mutton Karahi is a delicious and flavorful Pakistani dish that's easy to prepare at home. With a blend of aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, onions, ginger, and green chillies, it's a dish that's sure to impress your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of lamb or mutton, this Karahi recipe is a great way to enjoy the meat in a spicy and flavorful way. Plus, with the added health benefits of protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, it's a dish that's as nutritious as it is tasty. So give it a try and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.
