Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni Recipe
Description:
Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni is a traditional and aromatic dish from the beautiful Kashmir Valley. This rich curry combines tender mutton cooked in a creamy yogurt gravy, elevated with a blend of fragrant spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and fennel seeds. With the addition of saffron-infused milk, this dish offers an indulgent yet delicate flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or special house parties. Paired with steamed rice, phulka, or Burani raita, this dish will transport your tastebuds to the heart of Kashmiri cuisine.
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Course: Main Course
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton | 500 grams |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom | 4 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick | 2-inch piece |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Dried Red Chilies | 2 whole |
| Cloves | 3 whole |
| Fennel Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Saffron | A pinch |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Calcium | 50mg |
Instructions
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Mutton: Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the mutton. Soak the mutton in hot water for about 10 minutes to tenderize it. Drain and set it aside. |
| 2 | Infuse the Saffron Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk gently. Once warmed, turn off the heat and add the saffron strands. Let them steep in the milk and set it aside. |
| 3 | Temper the Spices: Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, dried red chilies, cloves, and fennel seeds to the hot ghee. Let these spices sizzle for about a minute to release their aromatic oils. |
| 4 | Cook the Mutton: Add the soaked mutton to the pressure cooker and stir it to coat it with the fragrant ghee and spices. Sauté for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the meat to brown slightly and absorb the spices. |
| 5 | Add Yogurt and Spices: Lower the heat and add the yogurt to the mutton, stirring well to incorporate. Add about 1/3 cup of water to help form the gravy. Mix in red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger powder, and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly. |
| 6 | Add Saffron Milk: Pour the saffron-infused milk into the pot, mixing it gently to incorporate all the flavors. |
| 7 | Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. |
| 8 | Serve: Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. The rich and aromatic Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni is ready to serve! Enjoy this flavorful curry with a side of rice, phulka, and a dollop of Burani Raita for a complete meal. |
Tips for the Best Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni:
- Tender Mutton: For a melt-in-your-mouth texture, use tender cuts of mutton, like the shoulder or leg, and cook it until it’s just soft but not overcooked.
- Spices: If you want an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a small piece of dried ginger (soonth) or a few saffron strands in the cooking process.
- Ghee: The rich flavor of ghee is essential for this dish, so don’t skimp on it! It helps balance the spices and adds depth to the curry.
- Consistency: Adjust the water quantity to achieve the consistency you prefer for the gravy. For a thicker gravy, reduce the water, and for a more soupy texture, increase the water slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni hot with warm basmati rice, soft phulkas, and a cooling side of Burani Raita. This combination enhances the dish’s flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni:
Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni is more than just a curry—it’s an experience. The richness of the yogurt gravy, the warmth of the spices, and the luxurious aroma of saffron all come together to make this dish a standout on any dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet family meal, this curry will elevate your dining experience. Its unique balance of flavors and creamy texture makes it a must-try for lovers of Indian cuisine.
Pairing Recommendations:
- Rice: Pair this curry with fragrant, steamed basmati rice to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Phulka: Soft, freshly made phulkas or roti are perfect for sopping up every last bit of the gravy.
- Burani Raita: The cool and tangy Burani Raita, made with yogurt, garlic, and cucumber, provides a refreshing contrast to the spiced curry.
Enjoy this Kashmiri Mutton Yakhni Recipe, and let its incredible flavors transport you to the valleys of Kashmir with every bite!
