How to cook the famous Kashmiri Dish Wazwan at home?

Wazwan is a traditional multi-course meal from the Kashmir region of India, typically served at weddings and special occasions. The meal consists of several meat-based dishes, along with rice and bread. The dishes are typically cooked by a group of people called “wazas” who are experts in preparing the meal. The dishes are cooked in a large cauldron called a “deg” and are served in a sequence, starting with the milder dishes and ending with the spicier ones.

Ingredients:

• 2 kg mutton or lamb (cut into large pieces)
• 2 cups yogurt
• 2 cups ghee or oil
• 6 medium onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 4 cups water
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp saffron strands
• 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat ghee or oil and add the chopped onions. Cook until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the mutton or lamb pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn brown.
4. Add 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and add the cumin, coriander, red chili, turmeric, and garam masala powders. Stir well.
6. Add the yogurt and stir again.
7. Cover the pot and cook the meat on low heat for 1 hour or until it is tender.
8. To make the rice, heat ghee or oil in a separate pot. Add the soaked rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
9. Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
10. Reduce the heat, cover the pot and cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
11. Add the milk and saffron strands to the cooked rice and mix well.
12. In a large serving platter, place the cooked rice and top it with the meat curry.
13. Garnish with chopped mint and coriander leaves.
14. Serve hot with traditional Kashmiri bread like roti, kulcha, or taftan.

Wazwan is typically served on a large platter, with the dishes arranged in a specific sequence, starting with the milder dishes and ending with the spicier ones. The meal is typically served with traditional Kashmiri bread like roti, kulcha, or taftan. The meal is usually accompanied by a yogurt-based sauce called “dahi haak” which is served as a side dish.

It is a traditional meal that is cooked and served with great care and is considered to be a symbol of hospitality and generosity in the Kashmiri culture. It is a meal that is typically prepared for special occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies. Wazwan is a complex and time-consuming meal to prepare and it is typically a group effort, with several people working together to prepare the different dishes.