Gajar Gosht, a classic dish from the Indian subcontinent, seamlessly blends the sweetness of carrots with the richness of tender meat and aromatic spices. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, evolving with each family’s unique touch. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of preparing this delectable dish, exploring its history, ingredients, and step-by-step cooking process.

History: Gajar Gosht traces its roots to the rich culinary heritage of North India, particularly the regions of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The dish embodies the essence of Mughlai cuisine, which flourished during the Mughal Empire’s reign in the Indian subcontinent. With influences from Persian and Central Asian cooking techniques, Mughlai cuisine is characterized by its lavish use of spices, nuts, and dried fruits.

Ingredients:

1. 500g of boneless meat (mutton or beef), cubed
2. 4-5 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
   3.2 huge onions, finely chopped
   4 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
3. 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
4. 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
5. 2 tomatoes, chopped
6. 1/2 cup plain yogurt
7. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
8. Whole spices: 2 bay leaves, 4-5 green cardamom pods, 4-5 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick
9. Ground spices: 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder
10. Salt to taste
11. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
12. Lemon wedges for serving
    

Cooking Method:

1- Marinate the meat:

• In a large bowl, combine the cubed meat with yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, green chilies, and half of the ground spices (cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder). Mix nicely to make certain the beef is flippantly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer for the flavors to infuse.

2 – Prepare the carrots:

• Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and sauté until they turn slightly tender. Remove the carrots from the pan and set them aside.

3 – Sauté the aromatics:

• In the same pan, add the whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick) and sauté for a minute until they release their aroma. Then, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.

4 – Cook the marinated meat:

• Once the onions are caramelized, add the marinated meat to the pan. Stir well and cook until the meat is browned on all sides.

5 – Add tomatoes and spices:

• Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the meat mixture and cook until they soften and release their juices. Then, add the remaining ground spices (cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder) along with salt to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

6 – Simmer the curry:

• Pour in a cup of water (or more if needed) to create a thick gravy consistency. Cover the pan or pressure cooker and let the curry simmer on low heat until the meat is tender and cooked through. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 15-20 minutes after reaching pressure.

7 – Add the carrots:

• Once the meat is cooked, add the sautéed carrots back into the curry. Stir gently to incorporate them with the meat and gravy. Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8 – Garnish and serve:

• Garnish the Gajar Gosht with freshly chopped coriander leaves and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti for a satisfying meal.

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE :-

Health benefits

While Gajar Gosht is undoubtedly a delicious dish, its ingredients also offer numerous health benefits. Here are 500 more reasons why incorporating this recipe into your diet can contribute to your overall well-being:

1. Protein-rich meat aids in muscle growth and repair.
2. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which supports eye health.
3. Garlic and ginger have antimicrobial properties, boosting the immune system.
4. Onions contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation.
5. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health.
6. Green chilies boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
7. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
8. Coriander leaves are a good source of vitamin K, essential for bone health.
9. Lemon wedges offer vitamin C, boosting immunity and collagen production.
10. Bay leaves have antimicrobial properties and aid in digestion.
11. Cardamom pods help alleviate digestive issues like bloating and gas.
12. Cloves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
13. Cinnamon stick regulates blood sugar levels.
14. Cumin powder aids in digestion and may improve blood cholesterol.
15. Turmeric powder contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
16. Red chili powder boosts metabolism and may reduce appetite.
17. Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber, aiding in weight management.
18. Garlic may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
19. Ginger helps alleviate nausea and may reduce muscle pain.
20. Onions contain sulfur compounds that may lower cholesterol levels.
21. Yogurt promotes a healthy balance of gut bacteria, improving digestion.
22. Green chilies contain capsaicin, which may reduce pain and inflammation.
23. Tomatoes are rich in potassium, supporting heart health.
24. Coriander leaves have antioxidant properties that may lower oxidative stress.
25. Lemon wedges aid in digestion and detoxification.
26. Bay leaves have diuretic properties, aiding in water balance.
27. Cardamom pods may improve breathing and respiratory health.
28. Cloves contain eugenol, which may relieve toothaches and sore throats.
29. Cinnamon stick may lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance.
30. Cumin powder aids in the absorption of nutrients from food.
31. Turmeric powder may alleviate symptoms of arthritis and joint pain.
32. Red chili powder contains vitamin A, essential for vision and skin health.
33. Carrots are rich in antioxidants that may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
34. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit arthritis sufferers.
35. Ginger may help alleviate menstrual cramps and morning sickness.
36. Onions contain prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
37. Yogurt supports bone health by providing calcium and vitamin D.
38. Green chilies may boost metabolism, aiding in weight loss.
39. Tomatoes are hydrating and contribute to overall fluid balance.
40. Coriander leaves may help regulate blood sugar levels.