Hyderabadi Gosht Ka Achar

Gosht Ka Achar, a Mughal-era dish, combines meat with pickling spices, showcasing the empire's culinary innovation. The name "Achar" means "pickle," reflecting the Mughals' expertise in preserving flavors.Gosht Ka Achar's ability to withstand extended periods without spoiling made it an ideal choice for sustenance during long journeys and military campaigns, a common aspect of Mughal life. This practical solution showcased the culinary ingenuity of Mughal chefs, who balanced flavor and functionality to create a truly remarkable dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton boneless (cubed to small pieces)
• 4-5 Tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1½ tsp turmeric powder
• 4 Tbsp salt
• Spice mix:
  • 5 tsp cumin seeds (zeera)
  • 5 tsp coriander seeds (dhaniya)
  • 4 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
  • ½ tsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
• 4-5 Tbsp red chilli powder
• 2 tsp caraway seeds (Shahzeera)
• Lemon/lime juice (extracted from 10 fruits)
• Tempering:
  • ½ litre oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • Around 10 garlic cloves
  • Around 7 dry red chillies

Method of Preparation:

1. In a pressure cooker, combine mutton, salt, ginger garlic paste, and turmeric powder. Cook for 3 whistles on medium heat until the meat is tender but still retains its shape.
2. Dry roast the spice mix powder and add it to the pressure cooker along with red chilli powder, caraway seeds, and lemon juice. Cook until the juices are well absorbed.
3. Let the preparation cool down.
4. Temper cumin and mustard seeds in half a litre of oil and allow it to cool.
5. Add the tempering to the preparation and mix well.
6. Your Hyderabadi Gosht Ka Achar is now ready to be devoured! But be warned: this dish is so addictive, you'll be licking the jar clean and then wondering why your fingers are sticky. Don't say I didn't warn you!

P.S. Once you've finished the batch, don't be surprised if you find yourself dreaming of the next batch. It's normal. (Or so I tell myself.) Go ahead, make another batch, and then another... Your taste buds (and your belly) will thank you!