Dum Pukht Gosht – Slow-Cooked Mutton Curry
Experience the exquisite flavors of a traditional Lucknowi delicacy with Dum Pukht Gosht, a slow-cooked mutton curry sealed and cooked with aromatic spices in a dough-sealed vessel, ensuring rich, tender meat and mouthwatering aromas.
Description:
Dum Pukht is a royal slow-cooking technique where food is sealed in a vessel and cooked on low heat. The term “Dum” means “to breathe,” and “Pukht” means “to cook,” a cooking method that traces its origins to the kitchens of the Lucknowi Nawabs. The beauty of this method lies in its slow cooking, which allows the spices and flavors to infuse deeply into the ingredients. This version of Dum Pukht Gosht is a delectable mutton curry, rich in flavor and history, making it a perfect dish for special occasions or a luxurious weekend meal.
Cuisine:
Lucknowi
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton | 500 grams |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Brown cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 pod |
| Black pepper corns | 1 teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 pieces |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Garlic | 8 cloves |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Green Chillies | 4 pieces |
| Coriander (Dhania) Powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee | As required for cooking |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 cups |
| Water | For kneading and cooking |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinating the Mutton
- Prepare the spice mixture: Heat some ghee in a preheated pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
- Add whole spices: To the caramelized onions, add the cardamom pods, brown cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. Sauté until the spices release their fragrant aroma.
- Cool the mixture: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
- Grind the mixture: Once the mixture is cooled, transfer it to a mixer grinder. Add garlic, ginger, green chilies, and half the yogurt. Grind to a smooth paste.
- Marinate the mutton: Place the mutton pieces in a bowl and add the ground spice-yogurt mixture. Mix well to coat the mutton evenly. Add the remaining yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste.
- Refrigerate the marinated mutton: Let the mutton marinate in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough and Vessel
- Knead the dough: While the mutton marinates, knead a stiff dough using whole wheat flour and water. The dough should be firm, similar to the dough used for puris, as it will be used to seal the vessel.
- Prepare the vessel: Choose a heavy-bottomed vessel or handi for slow cooking. Preheat it, and add a little ghee.
Step 3: Cooking the Dum Pukht Gosht
- Saute the marinated mutton: Add the marinated mutton to the preheated vessel and sauté for a few minutes until the mutton releases some oil, approximately 10 minutes.
- Add water: Pour in one glass of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Seal the vessel: Once the mutton is boiling, cover the vessel with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the lid with the dough to ensure no steam escapes during the cooking process.
- Slow cook: Let the mutton cook on low heat for about 50 minutes. This slow cooking, known as “Dum Cooking,” ensures that the flavors are absorbed fully into the meat.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Finish cooking: After 50 minutes, turn off the heat and carefully remove the dough seal using a kitchen knife.
- Check the consistency: Stir the Gosht gently, ensuring that the oils have been released from the mutton. Adjust the salt according to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the Dum Pukht Gosht to a serving dish, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Dum Pukht Gosht is best enjoyed with:
- Mande Roti or Butter Garlic Naan
- A refreshing Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber Raita
This rich and aromatic mutton curry is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a weekend meal, Dum Pukht Gosht will surely impress your guests with its depth of flavor and tender, slow-cooked meat.
