North kashmir lamb stew (kashmiri gosht)

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Stephen Ceideburg
2poundsBoneless lamb, trimmed of all fat
¼cupCashew nuts
3tablespoonsMild vegetable oil
1Two-inch piece cinnamon stick, broken
4Whole cloves
4Cardamom pods
1teaspoonCumin seeds
1largeOnion, chopped
1tablespoonMinced fresh ginger
3Garlic cloves, peeled, crushed
½teaspoonGround coriander
¼teaspoonTurmeric
1teaspoonPaprika
½teaspoonCayenne pepper
1teaspoonSalt, or to taste
2mediumsTomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped
3mediumsBoiling potatoes, peeled, diced
1cupWater
2cupsUnflavored yogurt
¼cupWhipping cream
½cupFresh peas, or frozen, thawed
Snipped fresh chives or green onion tops

Directions

Kashmir's cuisine combines the area's plentiful fruits and nuts with the rich ingredients and sophisticated cooking style of the Moghuls. This rich stew makes a marvelous main dish. Serve it with rice or crusty breads.

Cut meat in 1-inch cubes and set aside. Grind cashews with a little water to make a paste. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and cumin seeds.

Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add onion, ginger and garlic. Stir and cook until onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Add coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne and salt. Stir for a minute.

Add lamb and stir-fry until it is no longer red.

Add tomatoes and potatoes. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.

Add ½ cup water. Blend yogurt, cashew paste and remaining water and add to skillet. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 to 45 minutes, or until meat is tender.

Skim off fat from surface.

(May be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool, cover and refrigerate. Warm over medium heat before continuing.)

Add cream and peas and heat through. Sauce should be thick. If too thick, add a few tablespoons water. If too thin, boil to reduce.

Serve stew in deep plates garnished with chives.

PER SERVING: 545 calories, 45 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate, 30 g fat (9 g saturated), 135 mg cholesterol, 153 mg sodium, 4 g fiber.

Laxmi Hiremath writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24/92.

Posted to FOODWINE Digest by Abbott <labbott@...> on Nov 20, 1997