Namkeen Gosht is a well-loved Pakistani dish featuring tender mutton or lamb cooked with a mix of spices. It’s known for its simplicity, earning its name from the minimal use of spices. This dish earns its name from the minimal use of spices and originates from Namak Mandi in Peshawar, a renowned meat street. You cook it slowly to tenderize the meat, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Enjoy this dish by serving it with naan or rice for a great experience.

About The Recipe

Namkeen Gosht is a dish with a rich cultural significance, originating from the prominent KP region in Pakistan. The term “Namkeen” derives from the Urdu language, which means “Salty.” People from KP prefer food that’s not too spicy, that’s why this dish originated first in Peshawar but is now popular all over Pakistan and beyond.

This recipe offers a distinct taste with a bit of saltiness and a mix of spices that create a delicious flavor. The meat is soft, and the spices go well together. People all around the world love this dish for its mild yet tasty flavor.

How To Make Namkeen Gosht Photo Guide

1. In a pan, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black cardamom, salt, and garlic cloves. Turn on the flame and let the spices roast in the pan before adding water.

2. Once the spices are roasted, add the meat and 1 cup water to cover it. Pressure cook the meat for 15 minutes. If the meat is frozen, pressure cook for 18-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can slow cook for 40-45 minutes or until the meat is tender.

3. Set the cooked meat aside. If there is any leftover stock, strain and store it for later use in other dishes like Pulao’s or any rice or meat dish.

4. Heat oil in a pan, add sliced onions, and brown them. Remove the browned onions and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil.

5. Combine the fried onions and yogurt in a blender and blend into a thick, smooth paste.

6. In the same pan, heat oil over medium heat and add green chilies.

7. Add the cooked mutton to the pan and fry it well for 7-10 minutes with the green chilies and oil to infuse flavor. Then introduce the yogurt-onion paste to the pan.

8. Add remaining spices like salt and coarse black pepper. Fry until the meat is evenly coated in the gravy. Sprinkle the garam masala powder towards the end when the oil starts to separate.

9. Garnish the dish with additional green chilies and slices of ginger. Use plenty of ginger in the garnish will make it extra special.

Traditional Vs. Modern Cooking Methods

People traditionally prepare Namkeen Gosht in two ways. In the first method, they use raw vegetables, such as potatoes, along with the meat in a cooking pot. They seal the pot to allow the meat to cook and release its fat oil, which in turn cooks everything in the pot. This method usually requires cooking over mud stoves for about 2-3 hours or longer, making it a detailed and time-consuming process.

I will explain a simpler and more straightforward method today; this is the second method. In this method, you cook the meat with spices first, then simmer it in a yogurt-based gravy. Restaurants commonly use this recipe because it is easier, quicker, and results in an even better taste than the first method.

Why Is This Recipe Different Than Any Curry Recipe

My grandma always said, “Use fewer spices for better flavor,” and I remember her advice, especially when cooking meat dishes like Namkeen Gosht. Initially, I didn’t understand it, but as I continued cooking and experimenting, I discovered that using the right amount of spices can significantly enhance the taste.

Experimenting with cooking techniques, such as using a pressure cooker, has transformed how I prepare Namkeen Gosht. Pressure cooking is quicker than the traditional slow method but still preserves all the delicious flavors in the dish.

This dish was light and tasty, and everyone loved it when I served it on Eid. It proves that using the perfect amount of spices and experimenting with different cooking methods can truly turn this traditional dish into a favorite among guests.

Pro Tips

1. It’s important to use thick yogurt that has a tangy flavor but isn’t sweet. This type of yogurt adds a creamy texture and a zesty kick to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.

2. Before simmering the meat in the yogurt, it’s a good idea to pre-cook the meat separately. By doing this, you ensure that the meat retains its natural juices and flavors, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

3. Unlike other curries where you might use less oil, Namkeen Gosht benefits from a bit more oil. The additional oil helps to intensify the richness of the dish, although it’s unhealthy to use too much oil. If you want to keep it health, adjust accordingly.

4. The key to making a flavorful Namkeen Gosht lies in using plenty of garlic and green chilies. Garlic adds a robust, savory taste, while green chilies provide a subtle heat that complements the dish perfectly. These ingredients work together to create delicious outcome.

Variations

In this recipe, tomatoes are typically used for flavor and to create a bit of gravy. While I’ve made various recipes with tomatoes in the past, through experimenting with different ingredients, I discovered that using yogurt instead can create a light gravy. The yogurt adds creaminess to the dish, making the meat tender and enhancing the overall taste. However, you have the option to still use tomatoes if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions