Dhaba Style Lamb Karahi

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg lamb on bone (cut into pieces)
• 2 tbsp crushed garlic (blended with 5 chillies for marinade)
• 10 fresh green chillies (divided: 5 blended for marinade, others chopped for garnish)
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil (for frying in wok)
• olive oil (a splash added during stir-frying)
• 6 cardamoms (whole)
• 2 cinnamon sticks (small sticks)
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 cup natural yoghurt (whisked well)
• 5 tomatoes (halved)
• 2 cup water
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• coriander (fresh, to taste for garnish)
• ginger (julienned for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Blend 5 of the fresh green chillies with 2 tablespoons of crushed garlic to create a paste.

2. 2

   Marinate the 1.5kg of bone-in lamb in the blended chilli and garlic paste.

3. 3

   Add half a cup of vegetable oil to a wok and heat it over medium-high heat.

4. 4

   Add the marinated meat to the hot wok along with a splash of olive oil.

5. 5

   Stir-fry the meat for approximately 15 minutes, or until the water released from the meat has completely evaporated.

6. 6

   Add the chilli powder, salt, cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, and turmeric to the wok and fry for another 5 minutes.

7. 7

   Whisk the 1 cup of natural yoghurt well until smooth, then add it to the wok. Fry for 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Place the halved tomatoes on top of the meat, skin side up, and add 2 cups of water.

9. 9

   Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a low-medium setting. Allow to cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the meat is softened.

10. 10

    Reduce the heat to a low setting and carefully remove the tomato skins from the wok using tongs.

11. 11

    Add the coriander powder and mix well into the curry.

12. 12

    Add the remaining chopped green chillies, fresh coriander, and julienned ginger.

13. 13

    Turn off the heat and serve immediately from the wok with fresh naan.

Notes

The author suggests this dish is excellent for Iftar or Eid. Removing the tomato skins after simmering ensures a smooth, authentic karahi texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• lamb
• karahi
• ramadan
• eid
• pakistani
• spicy
• stew