Lahori Khatta Meat
Lahori Khatta Meat is a tangy and flavorful meat curry, a specialty from Lahore, Pakistan. The 'Khatta' (sour) element comes from the use of tamarind and sometimes tomatoes, balanced with aromatic spices, creating a unique and robust taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Lamb or beef, cut into cubes
- 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
- 200 g Tomatoes, pureed
- 3 tbsp Tamarind pulp
- 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 3-4 Green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp (or to taste) Red chili powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1 small bundle Whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves)
- 4 tbsp Oil or Ghee
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the whole spices and sauté until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps to distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching. - 2
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
💡 Tip: Sautéing the onions well is key to developing a rich base for the curry. - 3
Add the meat cubes and sear them on all sides until browned. Then, add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat helps to lock in juices and adds depth of flavor. - 4
Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. Stir in the tamarind pulp and slit green chilies.
💡 Tip: Cooking the tomato puree down until the oil separates is crucial for a well-developed curry base. - 5
Add enough water to cover the meat (about 2-3 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to maintain a gravy consistency.
💡 Tip: Slow simmering tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. - 6
Once the meat is tender and the gravy has thickened, stir in the garam masala. Cook for another 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Adding garam masala towards the end preserves its aromatic qualities. - 7
Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and mint leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
💡 Tip: The fresh herbs add a burst of freshness that complements the rich, tangy curry.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper sourness, you can soak a small piece of tamarind in hot water, extract the pulp, and use that.
- ✓If you prefer a less tangy curry, reduce the amount of tamarind pulp.
- ✓Ensure the meat is cooked until very tender for the best eating experience.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include adding a tablespoon of yogurt for a creamier texture.
- A pinch of dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) can be added along with the garam masala for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.