“This is a very Mughlai recipe, a cuisine that was introduced to the region after the Mongol invasions in the 1300s, so there is more meat and onions involved,” says Raichura. “It’s basically caramelised onions and meat.” Begin this recipe a day ahead.
Ingredients
Marinade
Luchi
Method
1.For marinade, place ingredients in a blender and blend to a smooth paste. Transfer to a non-reactive container with a lid, add lamb and toss to coat well. Cover with lid and marinate in fridge overnight.
2.For kosha mangsho sauce, heat mustard oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until just starting to smoke. Add whole spices and stir until lightly toasted (30 seconds – 1 minute). Add onions, ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions start to caramelise (5-6 minutes). Scatter over remaining ground spices and cook until spices are fragrant, and onion is lightly caramelised (1-2 minutes).
3.Add marinated lamb to saucepan and cook stirring until lightly browned and coated in onion mixture (6-8 minutes). Stir in yoghurt with 1 litre water and bring to a simmer (3-4 minutes). Reduce heat to very low, cover partially with a lid and cook, stirring frequently, until lamb starts to tenderise (1 hour). Remove lid and cook, stirring frequently, until lamb is very tender, dark brown and sauce has thickened (35-45 minutes); season to taste. If sauce starts to dry out add extra water, a little at a time.
4.Meanwhile, for luchi, in a large bowl, mix flour, spinach, oil, 100ml water and a pinch of fine cooking salt by hand until combined. If dough is too dry, add a little extra water 1 tbsp at a time; knead until dough is firm and smooth (5-8 minutes). Rest dough for 15 minutes. Roll dough into 25gm balls and place on a lined oven trays; loosely cover with plastic wrap and stand for a further 15 minutes.
5.Half fill a large saucepan with extra oil and heat over high heat to 180ËšC. Roll each ball of dough to 8cm discs on a work surface. Deep-dry luchi, in batches, turning halfway, until puffed and golden (40 seconds – 1 minute each side). Drain on paper towel.
6.To serve, transfer kosha mangsho to a serving bowl and top with green chilli with luchi and rice on the side.
Shahi garam masala, a spice blend unique to Indian cuisine and culture, is available from Indian grocers and herbies.com.au.