Achar Gosht

Achar Gosht Recipe

Introduction

Achar Gosht is a flavorful, spicy, and tangy dish made with tender meat (usually mutton or beef) and pickling spices. It combines the rich, savory taste of meat with the sharp, tangy punch of pickled spices.

Ingredients

For the Meat

• 500 grams mutton or beef (cut into pieces)
• 1 large onion (finely sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed or chopped)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1–2 green chilies (slit)
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp yogurt (optional)

For the Achar (Pickle) Spices

• 2 tbsp mustard seeds (rai)
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
• 1 tsp kalonji (nigella seeds)
• 1 tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1–2 tbsp red chili flakes
• 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tbsp mustard oil (or cooking oil)

For Tempering

• 1–2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 2–3 green cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2–3 cloves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Achar Spices

Dry roast mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, kalonji, and carom seeds for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool and grind into a coarse powder.

2. Cook the Meat

Heat oil or ghee in a pot. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté until aromatic.

Add onions and cook until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Add meat and cook until browned. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.

Add tomatoes and cook until oil separates. Add yogurt (if using) and cook until gravy thickens.

Add 1 cup water and pressure cook for 20 minutes, or simmer covered for 45–60 minutes until meat is tender.

3. Prepare the Pickling Oil

Heat mustard oil in a small pan. Add red chili flakes and vinegar or lemon juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes until aromatic.

4. Combine Everything

Add the prepared achar spice powder to the cooked meat. Pour in the pickling oil and mix gently. Cook for 5–10 minutes so flavors blend well.

5. Finishing Touches

Adjust salt, spice, and tanginess as needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and green chilies.

Serve

Serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice. Enjoy your delicious Achar Gosht.