Mughlai Dum Arbi Recipe
An indulgent, aromatic, and rich vegetarian side dish, Mughlai Dum Arbi is a North Indian classic that combines tender colocasia root (arbi) with a decadent blend of spices and creamy yogurt. This dish, perfect for special occasions or a flavorful lunch, will transport your taste buds to the heart of Mughlai cuisine. The crispy roasted arbi is cooked in a fragrant gravy, enhanced with a delightful mix of garam masala, fresh cream, and yogurt. Paired with naan or rice, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Colocasia root (Arbi) – skin peeled | 500 grams |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 1/4 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | For cooking |
| Onion (sliced, fried golden brown) | 2 |
| Poppy Seeds | 2 tablespoons, soaked in warm water |
| Cashew Nuts | 5, soaked in warm water |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prep the Arbi (Colocasia Root):
- Begin by peeling the skin off the arbi (colocasia root). Cut them in half and set them aside.
-
Roast the Arbi:
- Place a kadai (Indian wok) on medium heat and add a generous amount of ghee.
- Add the arbi to the ghee and roast them, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and soft.
- Once done, remove the arbi from the kadai and drain any excess oil on a paper towel. Set aside.
-
Fry the Onions:
- In the same kadai, add sliced onions along with 2 teaspoons of oil.
- Saute the onions until they turn a rich golden brown. Once fried, remove the onions and set them aside.
-
Grind the Paste:
- Drain the water from the soaked poppy seeds and soaked cashew nuts.
- In a mixer or blender, add the soaked poppy seeds, fried onions, soaked cashew nuts, chopped ginger, and chopped garlic.
- Add a little water and grind the ingredients into a smooth, thick paste.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- Place the kadai back on medium heat and add a bit of ghee.
- Once the ghee heats up, add the cardamom pods and cloves. Allow them to roast for a few seconds to release their fragrance.
- Next, add the ground paste to the kadai and sauté it for a few minutes until the mixture is well-cooked and aromatic.
-
Add the Spices:
- Once the paste has cooked, add in the curd (yogurt), followed by turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder.
- Stir the masala mixture well, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Combine the Arbi and Gravy:
- Add the roasted arbi to the kadai and mix gently to coat the arbi with the flavorful gravy.
- Season the dish with salt to taste and add the fresh cream. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
-
Cook and Serve:
- Cover the kadai and let the dish simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the gravy to thicken.
- Once done, remove from heat.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Mughlai Dum Arbi with fried nuts and raisins for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
- Serve the Mughlai Dum Arbi hot with garlic naan, rice, or even as a side dish to a larger Mughlai feast.
Serving Suggestions:
-
Pairing: Serve with garlic naan, a side of dahi ke kebab, or even steamed basmati rice to complete your meal. This dish works beautifully for lunch or dinner, making it a perfect choice for both casual meals and festive gatherings.
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Tip: You can also enjoy Mughlai Dum Arbi with a side of pickles or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the gravy.
Mughlai Dum Arbi is a wonderfully indulgent side dish that brings together the delicate flavors of arbi with a creamy, aromatic gravy. It is a great option for vegetarian meals and will be a hit among those who enjoy the richness of Mughlai cooking. The process of roasting and simmering ensures that each bite is infused with layers of flavor, making it a memorable dish for your next special occasion or weekday dinner. Enjoy!
