Dum Pukht Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 grams meat (chicken, lamb, or beef), cut into pieces
• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown and caramelized.
3. Remove half of the caramelized onions from the pan and set them aside for later use.
4. To the remaining onions in the pan, add cumin seeds, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste to the pan and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
6. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and release their juices.
7. Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for a few minutes.
8. Add yogurt to the pan and mix well to combine with the masala.
9. Add the meat pieces to the pan and coat them evenly with the masala. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is sealed and lightly browned.
10. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Gently mix the rice with the meat and masala.
11. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the rice and meat completely.
12. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the Dum Pukht simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the meat is tender.
13. Once cooked, remove the lid and garnish the Dum Pukht with the reserved caramelized onions and freshly chopped coriander leaves.
14. Serve the aromatic and flavorful Dum Pukht hot with raita or salad on the side.

Enjoy the exquisite taste of Dum Pukht, a royal delicacy from North India!