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Gaugie (Turnip)

Gaugie (Turnip)

Turnip is a very traditional Kashmiri recipe. They are often found in bulk in the boat markets. This root vegetable is very delicious once you remove the hard outer skin.

Mongie (Kohlrabi)

Mongie (Kohlrabi)

In Kashmiri this is called Monj-hakh with Monj being the round base and Hakh being the leafy parts on the top. Kohlrabi is readily seen at farmers markets. If they sit around too long they become fiberous and the leaves will wilt, so you want 

Mutton Pulao

Mutton Pulao

The difference between a pulao and a Biryani is that the pulao has a bit more water content. In the Biryani the rice doesn’t stick together at all.

Mutton Pulao

Delicious Mutton Pulao
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Rice (Basmati works best for this)
  • 1/2 kg Mutton (Shoulder cut into small chunks)
  • 1 Cup Water (for mutton stock)
  • 2 Cups Water (adding to the left over stock)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 4-5 Cloves
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon
  • 3-4 Cardmom
  • 1 tsp Zeera Powder
  • 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 1/4 tsp Ginger Powder
  • 2 tsp Fennel (Saunf) Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt (for mutton)
  • 1/2 tsp for pulao

Instructions
 

  • In a pressure  cooker  put the mutton, one cup water, 1 tsp salt, ginger powder, fennel seed powder, one stick cinnamon, 2 cloves  and pressure cook it for 5 minutes. 
  • Once cool open and strain to separate the mutton pieces from the stock. 
  • Heat oil and ghee in a pressure cooker add cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf and crushed green cardamoms, then add the washed rice. 
  • Sauté for a minute and add the mutton pieces and fry till the rice changes color, it may take 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add water to the stock for a total of 2 cups. Add the liquid and ½ tsp salt and zeera powder. 
  • Close the lid and cook for 10 minutes on reduced heat after the first whistle. Remove from the stove and allow it to cool.
Halwa

Halwa

Halwa is an energy dense food made from roasted wheat almonds ghee sugar and water

GUSHTABA (MEATBALLS IN GRAVY)

GUSHTABA (MEATBALLS IN GRAVY)

Gushtaba is truly delicious. These meatballs are cooked in a yogurt based gravy that ensures they will be soft and tender inside. The combination of spices gives it full flavor.

Mustard Oil

Mustard Oil

Ah Mustard oil. The first time I ever used it, the experience was a disaster. Mustard oil is unlike any other oil in that you must smoke it so that it develops the right flavor and is ready for cooking. If you don’t do this the flavor is overwhelming and quite pungent.

To get started put some mustard oil in a pan and turn it on high. When the oil starts to smoke this is a sign that it is getting ready to use. As it smokes you will also see the oil change from a dark amber to a light color almost clear. When it does this it means that it is nice and hot and that it is ready to use.

Smoking the mustard oil is very important as actually reduces the pungent nature of the mustard flavor and enables it to blend better with the tastes of the foods you will be adding it to. Serious eats has a decent description of the process.

MUTTON YAKHNI (LAMB OR GOAT)

MUTTON YAKHNI (LAMB OR GOAT)

Mutton is a staple of the Kashmiri diet. Traditionally is was Goat, however now it has evolved to be either lamb or goat, whatever is available. Lamb tends to have more of a distinct smell and will linger in your kitchen for a while compared 

Kaburga

Kaburga

The first time I had Kaburga I thought it couldn’t get any better. Then I had it the traditional way fried in ghee and it blew my mind.