This Aloo Gosht recipe is so delicious and full of vibrant flavors that once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist wanting more. The dish features tender pieces of lamb and soft potatoes cooked in a flavorful curry, loaded with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which adds a warm and rich taste to the meal.

You can enjoy this dish with plain white rice or chapati, both of which are traditional side dishes. It ain’t just about the delicious flavour but a connection to cultural traditions of sharing and enjoying food, creating lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever.

About The Recipe

Aloo Gosht is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine, particularly in Pakistan and India, that combines meat (usually lamb, goat, or beef) with potatoes in a spiced gravy. The name translates to “potatoes and meat,” where “aloo” means potato and “gosht” means meat. This dish is known for its rich flavors and comforting texture, making it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.

The origins of Aloo Gosht can be traced back to the Mughal Empire. The Mughals were known for their love of lavish feasts that featured a mix of Asian culinary traditions. Over the years, Aloo Gosht has become a common dish in many South Asian homes, with each family adding their own touch to make it suit their tastes.

Explore the similar Chicken Salan

Why Is This Recipe Special

As I was writing this post, my dadi (grandmother) came to mind, and I felt compelled to share a little story about her with you. My dadi was a great chef. She would often scold us, lamenting that our generation is lazy and somehow inferior for not wanting to cook over a wood fire. The house I grew up in was built in the eighteenth century and later reconstructed when I was a teenager, but my dadi insisted on maintaining an outdoor kitchen with her wood stove. Imagine the simplicity and purity of such souls! 🙁

All traditional recipes I share on my blog are based on her elaborate cooking methods. While it was tiring, the effort was undoubtedly worthwhile, as the flavors were exceptional. This one is also among those recipes of hers.

How To Make Aloo Gosht (Step-by-Step Photo Guide)

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they are browned.

2. Next, incorporate the chopped tomatoes, along with finely grated ginger and minced garlic. Fry this mixture for one to two minutes until the tomatoes become translucent, and then turn off the flame.

3. Carefully remove the onion and tomato mixture from the pan and blend it into a smooth paste. Make sure not to blend it with the oil, instead leave the oil in the pan for later use. After blending, transfer the smooth paste back into the pan with the remaining oil.

4. Now, add the spices, including salt, turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Fry the mixture until you see the oil separate from the masala, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Next, add the lamb to the masala and begin frying it for a good 5 to 7 minutes. Keep the flame at a medium to avoid burning the masala, if necessary use a tablespoon of water to prevent sticking.

6. After frying the lamb, pour in 2.5 cups of water. If you are using a pressure cooker, seal the lid and pressure cook the meat for 15 to 20 minutes until it becomes tender. About 10 minutes into the pressure cooking process, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Add the chopped potatoes, then close the lid again and cook under pressure for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. If you prefer to slow cook, add 4 cups of water instead, reduce the flame to medium, and let the meat cook for approximately 45 to 50 minutes until tender.

7. Once the meat and potatoes are fully cooked, enhance the dish by adding 1 teaspoon of mixed achar (optional) for added flavor. Finally, sprinkle garam masala powder and dried fenugreek leaves over the top.

8. Aloo Gosht is now ready to be served! Enjoy!

Cooking Times For Various Methods

This Aloo Gosht recipe is simple yet incredibly delicious. This dish can be prepared using both pressure cooking and slow cooking methods, with the pressure cooker reducing the cooking time by half. You’ll follow all the steps exactly the same for both pressure cooking and slow cooking methods. However, two things will differ in each method:

1. Pressure Cooking: Start by adding 2.5 cups of water into the cooker. This amount of water will be sufficient to help the meat cook properly. After you close the lid securely, heat the pressure cooker until it starts to whistle. Once you hear the first whistle, cook the dish for about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Slow Cooking: Begin the slow cooking process by adding 4 cups of water to the pot, ensuring there is enough liquid to facilitate the cooking process. Cover the lid and set the flame to medium and allow the meat to cook undisturbed for approximately 40 to 50 minutes.

Variations In This Recipe

1. You have the option to use either beef or chicken, but it’s important to note that the cooking times will vary significantly between the two meats.

• For chicken, if you choose to pressure cook, you will need to cook it for just 4 minutes once the cooker reaches pressure. If you prefer slow cooking on the stove, a cooking time of 12-15 minutes will suffice to ensure the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
• On the other hand, if you opt for beef, it requires a longer cooking time due to its tougher texture. When using a pressure cooker for beef, you should cook it for 25-30 minutes after achieving pressure. If you are using the stovetop method for beef, it will take approximately 50-60 minutes to achieve a tender consistency suitable for Aloo Gosht.

2. You can use yogurt instead of tomatoes, but this should be your last choice for making a good curry. If you decide to go with yogurt, make sure it isn’t sour or runny, as that could change the flavor and texture of the dish. It’s best to use thick, plain yogurt so it adds creaminess without being too overpowering. Make sure to mix the yogurt with the curry gradually to bring it up to the same temperature as the curry. This step helps prevent lumps from forming when you combine the yogurt with the hot curry.

3. You can use pre-fried (ready-made) onions in the recipe to save time. These ready-made onions are often available at grocery stores and can simplify the cooking process. However, they can sometimes be too sweet for the curry, so it’s best to use 1/2 cup instead of 1 cup if that is mentioned in the recipe.

4. Instead of garam masala powder, you use substitute it with any curry powder or karahi powder.

Expert Tips For A Great Curry

• Sauté the onions until they are perfectly browned but not burnt. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the dish without imparting a bitter flavor.
• Fry the meat in the gravy for a good 5 minutes before adding any liquids. Do not rush this step, as proper browning enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The more the frying the better the results.
• For an excellent texture, blend the sautéed onions and tomatoes into a smooth paste using a hand blender or food processor. This creates a rich, cohesive gravy, as evidenced in the final dish’s appearance.
• Dry roast cumin and coriander seeds before adding them to the curry. This step lifts the flavor profile and adds an aromatic quality to the dish.
• Be cautious with the amount of water you add. Too much can dilute the flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
• Garnish your Aloo Gosht with fresh cilantro and sliced green chilies before serving. This not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also releases fragrant flavors and aromatizes the curry perfectly.
• Opt for fresh, firm potatoes for the best texture. Fresh potatoes hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the tender meat, contributing to the overall taste of the dish.

Explore Lamb Recipes Here

If you’re a fan of lamb meat, it’s undoubtedly a healthier and delicious option. Here is a recipe that I’ve prepared using lamb, and I highly recommend trying Namkeen Gosht. It’s a must try, and you won’t be disappointed!