How to make traditional Kashmiri Yakhni?

Kashmiri Yakhni is a traditional dish from the Kashmir region of India characterized by its rich, flavorful broth made with a blend of spices, and yogurt, and is typically made with lamb or chicken. The dish is often served as a main course with rice. Here is a recipe for making this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg lamb or chicken
• 2 cups yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 green cardamoms
• 6 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat the ghee or oil and add the cumin seeds. Once they start to sizzle, add the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamoms, and cloves. Fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the lamb or chicken to the pot and stir well, sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned on all sides.
4. Add the coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste, and stir well.
5. Add the yogurt to the pot and stir well.
6. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and stir well, bringing it to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat and cover the pot with a lid, let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the meat is cooked through.
8. Once the meat is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat, and let it cool for a few minutes.
9. Remove the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamoms, and cloves from the pot, and discard them.
10. Now your Yakhni is ready to serve, you can serve it with steamed rice or bread.

Note: If you are using a pressure cooker, you can cook the meat in the pressure cooker for about 20-25 minutes, after the first whistle.

The key to making a great Yakhni is to use high-quality ingredients and not skimp on the spices. The yogurt is an important ingredient that adds a unique flavor and richness to the broth, and it’s important not to overcook the meat, as it can become tough.

Yakhni can be enjoyed with rice or naan bread, and it can also be served with some side dishes like raita, pickle, and chutney. You can also garnish it with coriander leaves, ginger julienne, or fried onion.

Overall, Kashmiri Yakhni is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for a special occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create this delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests.