Mutton Afghani Karahi Recipe

Ingredients

 

For the Mutton:

• 1 kg mutton (goat meat), cut into medium pieces
• 3 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Afghani Marinade:

• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp white pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cream
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
• 1/4 tsp mace powder (javitri)

For the Karahi Base:

• 4 tbsp ghee
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp white pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional, for color)
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste

For Afghani Richness:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cashews, soaked and ground to paste
• 2 tbsp almonds, blanched and ground
• 1 tbsp khoya (dried milk solids) or milk powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp green cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
• Pinch of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tbsp almonds, sliced
• 1 tbsp pistachios, sliced
• 2 green chilies, julienned
• 1 inch ginger, julienned
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Fresh mint leaves
• Fried onions (birista)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Mutton

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl
2. Add mutton pieces and coat thoroughly
3. Cover and marinate for at least 3 hours (preferably overnight)
4. This tenderizes the meat and infuses Afghani flavors

Step 2: Initial Cooking

1. Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed karahi over medium-high heat
2. Add marinated mutton along with all the marinade
3. Cook on medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. The yogurt will help tenderize the meat
5. Set aside when meat is 70% cooked

Step 3: Prepare the Base

1. In the same karahi, add 4 tbsp ghee
2. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown (12-15 minutes)
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes
4. Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste
5. Cook until tomatoes are completely broken down (8-10 minutes)

Step 4: Add Spices

1. Add white pepper, red chili powder (if using), coriander powder, and cumin powder
2. Cook the spice mixture for 2-3 minutes
3. Add the partially cooked mutton back to the karahi
4. Mix well and add 1 cup water if needed
5. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until mutton is tender

Step 5: Create Afghani Richness

1. In a small bowl, mix cashew paste, almond paste, and khoya with milk
2. Add this mixture to the karahi
3. Add heavy cream gradually while stirring
4. Add green cardamom powder and nutmeg
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Add saffron milk and mix gently
2. Taste and adjust salt and spices
3. The sauce should be creamy and rich, not too thick or thin
4. Simmer for another 5 minutes

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a small pan
2. Fry sliced almonds and pistachios until golden
3. Pour this over the karahi
4. Garnish with julienned green chilies and ginger
5. Sprinkle fresh coriander, mint leaves, and fried onions
6. Serve immediately while hot

Cooking Tips

• Tender Meat: Marination and slow cooking are key for tender mutton
• Creamy Texture: Don't let the cream curdle - add gradually on low heat
• Afghani Flavor: The combination of nuts, cream, and subtle spices creates the signature taste
• Color: The dish should be light colored (white/cream) - minimal red chili
• Consistency: Should be creamy but not too thick - adjust with milk or cream

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with butter naan or Afghan bread (bolani)
• Pair with fragrant basmati rice or kabuli pulao
• Serve with fresh salad and mint chutney
• Add a side of yogurt raita
• Garnish with extra nuts and fresh herbs

Afghan Cooking Notes

• White Pepper: Essential for authentic Afghani flavor - don't substitute with black pepper
• Nuts: Generous use of almonds and cashews is characteristic of Afghan cuisine
• Mild Spicing: Afghan food is generally milder and creamier than other South Asian cuisines
• Dairy: Heavy use of yogurt, cream, and milk creates the signature richness

Variations

• Chicken Afghani: Use chicken instead of mutton, reduce cooking time
• Extra Rich: Add more cream and nuts for special occasions
• Aromatic: Add a few drops of rose water with the saffron

Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus marination time)
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Serves: 4-6 people

Bismillah - Enjoy your Mutton Afghani Karahi, a taste of Afghanistan's rich culinary heritage!

About Afghani Cuisine

Afghan cuisine is known for its subtle flavors, generous use of dairy and nuts, and aromatic spices. This karahi represents the refined, palace-style cooking of Afghanistan, where dishes were prepared for royalty with the finest ingredients. The creamy, mild flavors make it perfect for those who enjoy rich, comforting food without excessive heat.