Dabba Gosht

Dabba Gosht is a delicious Eid preparation which is popular all across the Indian subcontinent. There are various variations of this dish all over the world. It is like a stew or pasta, which can be served as an appetizer or as the main course itself.  This moreish preparation of mutton is always a hit with my guests.

Serves: 4 persons

Prep. Time: 20 Mins.

Cooking Time: 1^st Part – 20 Min. (active) + 20 Min. (passive) 2^nd Part – 20 Min. (active) + Baking – 20 Min. (passive)

Ingredients (1^st Part):

• Boneless Mutton (cut into small cubes) – 600 gms.
• Curd (whisked) – ¾ cup
• Whole Garam Masala:
  • Bay Leaf – 1
  • Black Peppercorn (coarsely crushed) – 12
  • Nutmeg (coarsely crushed) – ¼ pc.
  • Mace – ½ pc.
  • Black Cardamom (moti elaichi) – 1
  • Green Cardamom – 4
  • Cinnamon – 1 inch
  • Cloves – 4 to 5
• Garlic (finely chopped) – 1 ½ tbsp.
• Ginger (finely chopped) – 1 tbsp.
• Green Chillies (light green – slit into half) – 6
• Hot Water – 600 ml.
• Oil – 1 tbsp.
• Salt – 1 tsp. or to taste

Step 1:     Heat oil in a pressure cooker, and sauté all the whole garam masala, garlic, ginger and green chillies till aromatic on medium heat.

Step 2:     Add the meat, sauté on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the curds and cook uncovered on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 3:     Add the hot water, salt and close the lid. Keep on high heat till one whistle. After the 1^st whistle cook the meat on low heat for another 15 or 25 minutes, depending on the quality of meat (See tips below). Switch off the heat. Do not open the lid. Let the pressure release on its own.

Step 4:     Strain and separate the stock and meat. Reserve the stock (You’ll need 625 ml of this stock. If it is less, you can add some water to make up). Remove the whole spices from the meat.

Ingredients (2^nd Part):

• Refined Flour – 4 ½ tbsp.
• Macaroni – ¾ cup
• White Pepper Powder – 1 tsp.
• Corriander Leaves (finely chopped) – 1 tbsp.
• Tomato (thinly sliced) – 2
• Eggs (beaten and seasoned with salt) – 3
• Ghee – 4 tbsp.
• Salt – as needed

Step 1:     Cook the macaroni / pasta as per the instructions of the pack with 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. oil. Strain and keep aside.

Step 2: Heat ghee in a pan and add the refined flour and cook stirring continuously for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat. Add the stock (warm) and stir nicely to get a smooth sauce.

Step 3:     Add the cooked meat, macaroni , white pepper powder and cook till the mixture is thick. Check for salt and season if required. Add the corriander, shut off the heat and leave covered.

Step 4:     Set your oven to pre-heat to 180°c. Meanwhile, spread the meat mixture evenly, in an ovenproof dish. Pour the beaten eggs over this mixture and spread evenly. Arrange the tomato slices over it and sprinkle some corriander leaves.

Step 5:    Bake at 180°c for 20 to 30 minutes or until the eggs are cooked / set.

Serve warm with bread.

Tips:

• Use the raan (the legs) for this preparation. The meat of the fore legs is tender and will cook faster, whereas the hind legs have less bone. The meat that has a whitish colour is more tender then the deep red coloured meat.

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