Nalli Gosht
Fall-off-the-bone tender mutton shanks slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy infused with saffron and whole spices. This luxurious Mughlai delicacy is a true celebration of flavor, perfect for special occasions.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 120 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Mutton Shanks
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the mutton shanks, whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, salt, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder.
- c.Using your hands, rub the marinade all over the shanks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours at room temperature, or for best results, refrigerate overnight.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Birista and Pastes
- b.Thinly slice 2 of the onions. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Fry the sliced onions for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are uniformly golden brown and crisp. Be careful not to burn them.
- d.Remove the fried onions (birista) with a slotted spoon and spread them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- e.Grind the soaked cashew nuts with a little water to form a smooth, fine paste.
- f.Grind the remaining 1 onion into a coarse paste.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onion Paste
- b.In a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat the ghee over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, crushed green cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they release their aroma.
- d.Add the ground onion paste and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns light brown and the raw smell disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Brown the Mutton and Build the Masala
- b.Add the marinated mutton shanks along with the entire marinade to the pot.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the shanks for 6-8 minutes, turning them to brown all sides. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- d.Stir in the cashew paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- e.Crush about half of the prepared birista with your hands and add it to the pot. Mix well to combine.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Slow Cook to Perfection
- b.Pour in 3 cups of hot water and bring the curry to a rolling boil.
- c.Stovetop Method: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is exceptionally tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- d.Pressure Cooker Method: Secure the lid. After the first whistle, reduce the heat to low and cook for 45-50 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Once cooked, open the lid. The gravy should be thick and clinging to the meat. If it's too watery, simmer without a lid for 5-10 minutes to reduce it.
- c.In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk for a few minutes.
- d.Gently stir the garam masala, saffron-infused milk, and kewra water into the curry. Simmer for 2 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
- e.Garnish with the remaining birista, fresh ginger juliennes, and chopped coriander leaves.
- f.Serve hot with naan, sheermal, or basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meat, marinate the shanks overnight in the refrigerator.
- 2Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent the masala from sticking and burning.
- 3Frying the onions to a perfect golden brown (birista) is crucial for the flavor and color of the gravy. Be patient and stir frequently.
- 4For an even richer gravy, you can replace the hot water with mutton stock (yakhni).
- 5The bone marrow is a delicacy. Encourage guests to scoop it out with a small spoon or by tapping the bone on their plate.
- 6This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onion paste for an extra kick of heat.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream (malai) at the very end of cooking for a richer, more luxurious texture.
Nut Free AlternativeNut-Free Alternative
Replace the cashew paste with a paste made from 2 tablespoons of roasted poppy seeds (khus khus) or skip it. The gravy will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Mutton is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Iron
Red meat like mutton is a significant source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. It helps prevent anemia by supporting red blood cell production.
Collagen from Bone Marrow
The slow-cooking process extracts collagen and gelatin from the bone and marrow, which are beneficial for joint health, skin elasticity, and supporting a healthy gut lining.
Frequently asked questions
Lamb or mutton shanks are essential for this dish. The bone and marrow are key to the authentic flavor and rich texture of the gravy. Do not substitute with boneless meat.
