Holy Guacamole

The first time I had Guacamole was in this restaurant in Islamabad and just like most of the food in Islamabad is tasteless, that Guacamole was also pathetic. Had a chance to eat it in Lahore but was a bit reluctant , all thanks to the prior experience. Then I tried it in a couple of authentic Mexican restaurants in USA and I loved it.

This recipe is specially for the vegans because OH  MY GOD they complain so much about me not catering to their recipe requests. Not only for vegans but normal people (LOL) can also use it in burgers instead of mayo or as a dip for nachos or chips.

It is an expensive one because Avocados are like 1000 Rs. per kilogram but if it is used properly then one batch last more than a week or probably two.

INGREDIENTS:

4 avocados

4-6 green onions (the white part mostly will be used)

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tomato (1/2 if it is a big one)

2 jalapeno (people in Pakistan can use pickle jalapenos)

half a bunch of coriander leaves, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon salt

juice of one lime

There is no rocket science in making Guacamole. Just a lot of cutting, chopping and mashing.

Make sure the avocado is ripe because then it will be quite hard to mash it. Cut it from the middle and remove the seed. Take out the avocado flesh with a spoon carefully in a big bowl.

Finely chop the garlic. Add the garlic to the avocado flesh and add juice of one lemon or lime as well.

Mash the avocado and garlic with a fork to the point where no big chunks are visible.

Chop tomatoes, jalapeno, green onions and coriander leaves separately.

Add all of the above chopped vegetables in the mashed avocado mixture with cumin powder and salt.

Mix it properly. that is it and that is all. Guacamole is that easy to make.

Eat it with tortilla chips, nachos or any type of chips and my friend you are going to have a good time.

Laal Maas (Rajasthani Mutton)

"The one who doesn't love mutton the way I love it, should be exiled from this planet." - Lord Sufi Chef Shamsher

I really don't understand people when they tell me that they cab't eat mutton. WHY CAN'T YOU EAT MUTTON YOU MORON?

It's better than beef in Pakistan, gets digested easily, is less chewy than beef and it is so expensive that some people only get to eat it on Eid ul Azha.

The recipe that I'm about to tell you all is brought from Rajasthan, India the culture of our country and India is so similar and that is mostly noted in the food. This recipe is called Laal Maas, Laal means 'red' and Maas means 'mutton'. You owe me some money now for this language lesson.

There is a bit of preparation to do before you start making this.

You need to soak 7-8 Kashmiri dry red chilies in warm water for 30-40 minutes and blend it in to a paste.

You need to chop 4 medium onions.

It is a bit of work but worth it trust me on this.

INGREDIENTS:

6-8 dried Kashmiri red chillies, soaked

750 grams mutton on the bone

½ cup yogurt

2 teaspoons cumin powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste

4 tablespoons ghee

2 black cardamoms

3-4 green cardamoms

1 inch cinnamon stick

3-4 cloves

1 bay leaf

4 medium onions, finely chopped

½ teaspoon garam masala powder

Salt to taste

Coriander sprigs for garnish

Lemon wedge for garnish

For smoking 1 charcoal piece

First we need to marinate the mutton in yogurt, red chili paste we made, salt, coriander powder, turmeric, cumin powder and garam masala.

Now we heat 4 tablespoon ghee/clarified butter in a non stick pan and add the cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, cloves and black cardamoms.

Fry them until you can smell the heavenly aroma and then add chopped onions.

Saute then until they get brown and then add ginger garlic paste. Saute the ginger garlic paste properly.

Add the marinated mutton and cook it for 3 minutes on high heat or till it turns like the picture below.

Add sufficient water the the pan and bring it to a boil on high heat.

Let it boil for 5 minutes and then lower the heat. Cover the pan with the lid.

Simmer for 40-45 minutes but keep on checking often for if water run dry you add a bit  more until it is slow cooked completely.

Uncover and saute to make sure it is cooked.

Turn of the heat.

Meanwhile you heat up a coal and place it in a small steel bowl along with cloves.

Place that bowl in the middle of the pan and add a tablespoon of oil over it so it releases smoke.

Cover than pan for 5 minutes to add the smoky flavor to Laal Maas. Yes, THAT smoky flavor that comes from a burning heart, the heart that you break and I should shut my over dramatic self up.

Laal maas is ready to serve.

Garnish it with coriander sprigs and sliced lemon wedges. Eat this with Naan, roti or whatever you like. This is amazing indeed.