Aab Gosht is a Kashmiri delicacy featuring tender mutton cooked in a yogurt-based gravy infused with aromatic spices. This dish showcases the rich flavors of Kashmiri cuisine, with succulent meat simmered to perfection in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Aab Gosht offers a delightful combination of tender meat and aromatic spices, creating a savory dish that’s best enjoyed with rice or naan, presenting a taste of Kashmir’s culinary heritage in each bite.
Here’s a detailed recipe to prepare Aab Gosht:
Ingredients:
For Marination:
- 500 grams mutton (with bones), preferably on the bone for better flavor
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For Aab Gosht:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 2 onions, finely sliced
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon fennel powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground dry mint leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water or as needed
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinating the Meat: a. In a bowl, mix the mutton pieces with yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
2. Cooking Aab Gosht: a. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep pan. b. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. c. Add green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Sauté until aromatic. d. Add the marinated mutton to the pot along with the marinade. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the meat changes color.
3. Spices and Cooking the Meat: a. Add coriander powder, fennel powder, ground ginger, ground fennel seeds, dry mint leaves, and red chili powder. Mix well to coat the meat. b. Pour in water (enough to cover the meat) and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Simmering Aab Gosht: a. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally. Add more water if necessary during cooking to maintain the desired consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve: a. Once done, check for seasoning and adjust if needed. b. Garnish Aab Gosht with fresh coriander leaves. c. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan.
Aab Gosht is a delightful Kashmiri dish where the mutton pieces are cooked to tender perfection in a creamy and aromatic yogurt-based gravy, offering a delightful taste of Kashmiri cuisine’s rich and nuanced flavors.
