Pakistani Namkeen Ghost (Salted Goat Meat) is a traditional, flavorful dish that is simple yet full of savory depth. It features tender goat meat that is slow-cooked with minimal spices, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. The main focus is the saltiness of the dish, which is balanced by the tenderness of the goat meat and the richness of ghee or oil. It’s often served with naan or rice, and is a great comfort food in Pakistani cuisine.
Here’s a recipe for Pakistani Namkeen Ghost:
Ingredients:
- Goat meat (bone-in cuts like shoulder or leg): 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs), cut into medium pieces
- Salt: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste, but traditionally it’s a salted dish)
- Water: 4 cups (adjust as needed)
- Ghee (clarified butter): 3 tablespoons (you can use oil if preferred)
- Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green chilies: 2-3, slit
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cinnamon stick: 1-inch piece
- Bay leaf: 1
- Cloves: 4-5
- Cardamom pods: 2-3
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon: 1, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat:
- Clean and rinse the goat meat pieces. Drain off any excess water.
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the ghee (or oil) over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cumin seeds, black pepper, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Stir the spices for a minute to release their aromas.
3. Add the Goat Meat:
- Add the goat meat pieces to the pot and brown the meat on all sides. Cook the meat for about 10 minutes until it gets a nice sear and the color changes.
- Add the turmeric powder and coriander powder to the meat. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Slow Cook the Meat:
- Once the meat is browned and the spices are well incorporated, add water to the pot to cover the meat. Add the salt at this point, as the name “Namkeen” (salted) refers to the dish being relatively salty compared to regular stews.
- Stir everything well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat becomes tender and the liquid reduces slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure the meat doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. Final Touches:
- As the meat cooks, the broth will thicken slightly and the saltiness will deepen. Adjust the seasoning as necessary; if you prefer more salt, add a little more at this stage.
- Once the meat is tender and cooked through, remove the pot from the heat.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Namkeen Ghost with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve the dish hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a tangy contrast to the rich, salty flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Naan or Chapati: This dish pairs beautifully with naan (especially garlic naan) or roti for scooping up the tender goat meat and flavorful broth.
- Rice: For a more filling meal, serve it with steamed basmati rice.
- Raita: A cooling yogurt raita (with cucumber, mint, and cumin) can help balance the richness of the dish.
- Salad: A simple cucumber-onion-tomato salad with a squeeze of lemon can add freshness.
Tips:
- Slow Cooking: The key to this dish is slow cooking to ensure the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld together. You can use a pressure cooker if you’re short on time (about 30 minutes under pressure for tender meat).
- Adjust Salt: The dish is intentionally salty, but always taste before serving to ensure the right balance.
- Niter Kibbeh: If you prefer, you can add a bit of Niter Kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) towards the end of cooking for a richer flavor.
Pakistani Namkeen Ghost is a simple yet satisfying dish that highlights the natural flavors of goat meat and spices. Its saltiness and tender texture make it an excellent main course for family meals or gatherings. Enjoy with some naan, rice, or a cold drink! 🐐🍖🍋
