Meat Durbari

Meat Durbari Recipe - A Flavorful Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 4-6 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meat Durbari is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish made with tender pieces of lamb marinated in a rich and aromatic spice paste. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a unique and exotic meal.

History

Meat Durbari has its origins in the royal kitchens of India, where it was served to the kings and queens as a special treat. The dish is known for its complex flavors and rich, creamy texture, making it a favorite among the nobility.

Ingredients

1 big sized onion, chopped
1 ginger, grated
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
2 fresh green chiles, slit lengthwise into halves
3 tbsp clarified butter
3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 tbsp wine vinegar
175 ml warm water
1 tbsp tomato purée

Paste

How to prepare

Trim off excess fat from the meat and cut into 2-inch cubes.
Rub the spice paste well into the meat and let it marinate for 4 - 6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Add salt to garlic and crush it into a smooth pulp.
Melt the ghee over low heat.
Add the onions and ginger, adjust the heat to medium and fry them until the onions are soft.
Add the garlic paste and fry for another 2 - 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the meat and cook in the onion mixture until all sides of the meat are browned.
Add water and bring it to a boil. Cover and simmer until the meat is tender.
Add the puree, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
Adjust the heat to medium and cook for 3 - 4 minutes, stirring continuously.
Remove the pan from the heat and serve hot.

Variations

You can substitute lamb with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for added texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the meat for at least 4 - 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to cook the meat slowly and evenly, ensuring that it becomes tender and juicy.

- Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference, as they can vary in heat levels.

- Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meat Durbari with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the meat in a covered pan ensures that it becomes tender and flavorful.

- Stirring continuously while adding the puree and green chilies helps to evenly distribute the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of clarified butter for a lighter version of the dish.

- Substitute white vinegar for wine vinegar if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the meat ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Meat Durbari with a side of cucumber raita and a refreshing mango lassi for a complete Indian meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains mustard seeds and sesame seeds, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Meat Durbari is a protein-rich dish that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Meat Durbari is a luxurious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a delicious meal. With its rich and aromatic spices, tender pieces of meat, and creamy texture, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Meat Durbari. It was tucked away in an old recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother, passed down through the generations. The pages were yellowed with age and the ink was faded, but the words were still clear as day.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, poring over the recipe with a sense of wonder. The ingredients were exotic and unfamiliar to me, a far cry from the simple dishes I was used to cooking. But something about the recipe intrigued me, beckoning me to try my hand at creating it.

I decided to seek out more information about this mysterious dish, so I turned to my friends and neighbors for help. One of them mentioned that Meat Durbari was a traditional Mughlai dish, originating from the royal kitchens of India. It was said to be a rich and flavorful curry made with tender chunks of meat simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and creamy yogurt.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to learn how to make Meat Durbari. I visited the local spice market, gathering the necessary ingredients like garam masala, cardamom, and saffron. I was determined to recreate the flavors of this regal dish in my own kitchen.

I started by marinating the meat in a mixture of yogurt and spices, allowing it to tenderize and absorb the flavors overnight. The next day, I heated a generous amount of ghee in a large pot and added the marinated meat, along with onions, garlic, and ginger. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a heady mix of warm spices and savory meat.

As the meat cooked slowly, I added more spices and a splash of water to create a rich gravy. I let the curry simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into something truly special. The meat became melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the complex blend of spices and aromatics.

When the Meat Durbari was finally ready, I couldn't wait to taste it. I ladled a generous portion onto a plate, sprinkled it with fresh cilantro, and served it alongside steamed rice and warm naan bread. The first bite was a revelation, a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I shared the dish with my family and friends, who marveled at the richness and depth of the flavors. They couldn't believe that I had created such a decadent dish in my own humble kitchen. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had mastered the art of making Meat Durbari.

Since then, Meat Durbari has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I make it for special occasions and gatherings, sharing the story of how I discovered the recipe and the journey I took to perfect it. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that moment of curiosity and wonder, eager to explore new flavors and cuisines.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook, expanding my culinary horizons with each new recipe I try. And I know that my great-grandmother would be proud to see me carrying on the tradition of making Meat Durbari, keeping her legacy alive through the art of cooking.