Kashmiri Style Gushtaba Recipe – Mutton Kofta in Curd
Description
Kashmiri Style Gushtaba is a quintessential dish from the rich culinary heritage of Kashmir, known for its intricate use of spices and aromatic flavors. This flavorful mutton kofta curry combines tender, pounded mutton meatballs (Gushtaba) with a fragrant, creamy gravy made from yogurt, milk, and a blend of spices such as fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The warm, hearty curry is a delightful treat that embodies the essence of Kashmiri cuisine, where yogurt is a staple ingredient in many dishes, including gravies and rice preparations. Often enjoyed with soft phulkas or naan, this dish is perfect for lunch or any special occasion when you want to experience the depth of Kashmiri flavors.
Ingredients
For the Koftas
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton Kheema (Minced Mutton) | 300 grams |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch piece |
For the Curry
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch stick |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 cloves |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For cooking |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Koftas:
Begin by placing the mutton kheema (minced mutton), cardamom powder, and chopped ginger into a mixer. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Once the mixture is ready, take small portions of the keema mixture and shape them into cylindrical or round balls, ensuring that they are compact and uniform in size. Repeat this process for the entire mixture. -
Prepare the Curry Base:
In a large kadai or deep frying pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds. Let the spices sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aromatic fragrance. -
Add Yogurt and Spices:
In a separate bowl, whisk the curd (yogurt) with about 1 cup of water to make a smooth mixture. Gradually add this curd mixture into the kadai, stirring gently to combine. Lower the heat to prevent the yogurt from curdling. Then, add the turmeric powder, dry ginger powder, and salt, and mix well to incorporate all the spices into the gravy. -
Simmer with Milk:
Pour the milk into the curry, stirring continuously. Allow the gravy to simmer on low heat for a few minutes, letting the milk blend with the yogurt and spices to form a smooth and creamy base. -
Cook the Koftas:
Carefully drop the prepared mutton koftas (meatballs) into the curry. Let the koftas cook in the simmering gravy for at least 20 minutes, allowing them to soak up all the wonderful flavors of the spices and yogurt. You may gently stir the curry occasionally to ensure the koftas do not stick to the bottom. -
Serve:
Once the koftas are fully cooked and tender, remove the dish from the heat. Serve the Kashmiri Style Gushtaba hot, garnished with fresh coriander, if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with Butter Garlic Naan or Phulka, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This Kashmiri Style Gushtaba can be served with steamed basmati rice, soft phulkas, or butter garlic naan for a complete and satisfying meal. The rich, aromatic gravy and tender koftas create a comforting dish that is ideal for a special family gathering or a cozy meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Gushtaba
- When shaping the koftas, make sure they are not too large to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- If you prefer a slightly thicker curry, you can reduce the amount of milk or allow the curry to simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Ensure the heat is on low while cooking the curd and milk mixture to avoid curdling the yogurt.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to recreate the authentic flavors of Kashmir in your own kitchen, bringing the warm, fragrant spices of the region into your meals. Enjoy the deep, comforting taste of Kashmiri Style Gushtaba and transport your taste buds to the heart of Kashmir!
