Nauratan

Nauratan Recipe - A Delicious Pakistani Lamb Dish

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Nauratan is a traditional Pakistani dish that translates to "nine jewels" in English. This dish is a flavorful and colorful combination of meat and a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

History

Nauratan has its origins in the Mughal era, where it was considered a royal dish due to its rich and diverse ingredients. The dish was believed to have been created by the royal chefs to showcase the abundance of vegetables and meats available in the region.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lamb, cubed
1 cup oil
1 tbsp ground garlic and ginger
2 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp salt
0.25 lb (113 g) onions
0.25 lb (113 g) potatoes
0.25 lb (113 g) eggplant
0.25 lb (113 g) turnip
0.25 lb (113 g) carrots
0.25 lb (113 g) okra
0.25 lb (113 g) cauliflower
0.25 lb (113 g) green beans
0.25 lb (113 g) cabbage
0.25 lb (113 g) chopped spinach
0.25 lb (113 g) peas
0.25 lb (113 g) zucchini or marrow

How to prepare

Wash all the vegetables and cut them into 1" pieces.
Fry all the vegetables with half of the oil until they turn light brown and set them aside.
Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan, add sliced onions, and fry them until they turn light brown.
Add salt and spices to the onions and fry for a few minutes.
Wash the cubed lamb and add it to the onions, frying until it turns light brown.
Add 1 cup of hot water and cook over low heat until the meat becomes tender.
Once the meat is tender and only a little water remains, add all the vegetables.
Mix the vegetables and meat together and cook over low heat, stirring gently to avoid mashing the vegetables, for about 5 minutes.
Place the mixture in a medium oven for 5-10 minutes, until the oil separates.

Variations

Substitute lamb with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.
Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for a unique twist.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Fry the vegetables separately before adding them to the meat to enhance their flavors.

- Be patient when cooking the meat, as slow cooking will result in tender and flavorful meat.

- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Nauratan can be served with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of yogurt or raita.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the meat ensures tender and flavorful results.

- Frying the vegetables separately before adding them to the meat enhances their flavors.

- Stirring gently while cooking the vegetables and meat together prevents them from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil or ghee instead of oil for a richer flavor.

- Swap out any vegetables you don't like for ones you prefer.

- Use tofu or paneer instead of meat for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Nauratan can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Nauratan in a large serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of garam masala for an attractive presentation. Pair with colorful side dishes for a visually appealing meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Nauratan pairs well with a side of fragrant basmati rice, cucumber raita, and warm naan bread. A refreshing mango lassi or sweet lassi makes a delicious beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Nauratan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nauratan contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Nauratan is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the inclusion of vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and carrots. These vegetables provide essential carbohydrates for energy.

Fats

The use of oil in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, providing essential nutrients and flavor.

Proteins

The lamb in this recipe is a great source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Nauratan is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the dish. These include vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and oil, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be mindful of any allergies when preparing this dish.

Summary

Nauratan is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome meal option.

Summary

Nauratan is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines meat and a variety of vegetables for a satisfying meal. With its rich history and diverse ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and colors of Nauratan as you savor each bite of this delicious Pakistani dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Nauratan. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited a group of women over for a cooking class. As I watched her effortlessly mix spices and chop vegetables, I was in awe of her talent.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare for the class, I noticed a faded piece of paper tucked away in one of her cookbooks. Curious, I asked her what it was. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me the paper and told me it was a recipe for Nauratan, a traditional Indian dish that was said to be a favorite of royalty.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was amazed at the complexity of the dish. The combination of spices and flavors was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

Over the next few weeks, my grandmother patiently taught me how to make Nauratan. She showed me how to blend the spices just right, how to marinate the meat for hours on end, and how to cook it to perfection. It was a labor of love, but the end result was always worth it.

As I grew older, I continued to perfect my Nauratan recipe. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twist to the traditional dish. I even entered a cooking competition once and won first place with my Nauratan recipe.

But no matter how many times I made Nauratan, the memory of that first time learning from my grandmother always stayed with me. It was a special moment that I would never forget.

Years passed, and my grandmother's health began to decline. As she grew older, she started to forget things, including some of her most cherished recipes. It broke my heart to see her memory fading, but I was determined to preserve her legacy.

I made it my mission to document all of her recipes, including the one for Nauratan. I wrote down every ingredient, every step, every little detail that made her dishes so special. I wanted to make sure that her recipes lived on, long after she was gone.

And so, whenever I make Nauratan now, I think of my grandmother and the incredible woman she was. I think of the love and passion she poured into her cooking, and how she passed that down to me. I am grateful for the memories we shared, and for the gift of her cherished recipes.

Every time I take a bite of Nauratan, I am transported back to that small village in India, to the days when my grandmother's kitchen was filled with laughter and love. And I know that her spirit lives on in every dish I create, especially in her beloved recipe for Nauratan.