Lahori Karahi
Lahori Karahi
5 from 20 votes
Whisk your taste buds away to the bustling streets of Lahore with the iconic Lahori karahi, a deliciously spiced lamb dish. Follow along and relish in creating this masterpiece of Pakistani cuisine right in your kitchen.
Lahori Karahi

Lahori Karahi is a beloved dish hailing from the vibrant streets of Lahore, Pakistan. It’s a rich and aromatic curry cooked with tender lamb/mutton pieces and a medley of spices, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

While its origins are deeply rooted in Pakistani cuisine, Lahori Karahi has gained popularity worldwide for its delicious taste and comforting warmth.

This recipe might seem daunting at first glance, especially if you’re new to cooking Pakistani dishes, but fear not! With a bit of patience and the right ingredients, you’ll soon be whipping up a delightful Lahori Karahi right in your own kitchen.

The combination of spices, from Kashmiri chilli to cumin powder, gives this dish its signature depth of flavor, while the addition of yoghurt adds a creamy texture that balances out the heat of the chillies.

Expert Tip: To enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish, garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkle of dried fenugreek leaves (methi) just before serving.

Ingredients

Olive Oil: Olive oil not only adds richness to the dish but also helps in cooking the lamb/mutton to perfection. Its subtle flavor enhances the overall taste of the Lahori Karahi, making it a staple ingredient in this recipe.

Lamb/Mutton: Lamb or mutton provides the hearty base for this flavorful curry. Its tender texture and rich taste pair perfectly with the aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.

Onions: Pureed onions form the savory base of the Lahori Karahi, adding depth and sweetness to the curry. They help to thicken the sauce and provide a subtle sweetness that balances out the heat of the spices.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a burst of tanginess to the Lahori Karahi, complementing the richness of the lamb/mutton. They add brightness to the dish and help to create a flavorful sauce that coats the meat beautifully.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste infuses the Lahori Karahi with its pungent aroma and bold flavor. It adds depth to the curry and enhances the overall taste of the dish, making it a key ingredient in this recipe.

Ginger Paste: Ginger paste lends a warm and spicy kick to the Lahori Karahi, balancing out the richness of the lamb/mutton. Its aromatic flavor pairs well with the other spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Green Chilli Paste: Green chilli paste adds a fiery heat to the Lahori Karahi, giving it that characteristic kick that Pakistani cuisine is known for. It adds depth to the curry and enhances its overall flavor profile.

Spices: A blend of spices including chilli powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric powder (Haldi), salt, cumin powder, and black pepper gives the Lahori Karahi its signature flavor. Each spice contributes its unique taste and aroma, creating a complex and delicious curry.

Yoghurt: Yoghurt adds creaminess to the Lahori Karahi, balancing out the heat of the spices and adding a subtle tanginess to the dish. It helps to thicken the sauce and creates a velvety texture that coats the lamb/mutton beautifully.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves add a pop of color and freshness to the Lahori Karahi. They lend a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and aroma.

Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Methi): Dried fenugreek leaves add a unique flavor to the Lahori Karahi, with hints of bitterness and sweetness. They complement the richness of the curry and add depth to its flavor profile.

Bullet Chillies: Bullet chillies are small, fiery peppers that add intense heat to the Lahori Karahi. They pack a punch and infuse the curry with their spicy flavor, elevating the dish to new levels of deliciousness.

Expert Tip: Adjust the spice level to your taste preferences by adding more or less chillies and chilli powder.

Serving Suggestions

  • Fresh Homemade Naan: Serve your piping hot Lahori Karahi alongside freshly baked homemade naan for the ultimate dining experience. The soft and pillowy texture of the naan is perfect for soaking up the rich and flavorful curry, ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
  • Steamed Basmati Rice: For a classic pairing, serve your Lahori Karahi with steamed basmati rice. The light and fluffy rice provide a neutral base that allows the flavors of the curry to shine. It’s a comforting and satisfying combination that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
  • Raita: Cool things down with a refreshing side of raita. Made with yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, raita adds a creamy and cooling element to the meal. It helps to balance out the heat of the Lahori Karahi and refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Salad: Add a pop of freshness to your meal with a simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. The crisp and crunchy vegetables provide a contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the Lahori Karahi, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy flavor. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice over your Lahori Karahi adds a tangy kick that brightens up the dish and enhances its overall taste.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the lamb or mutton in yogurt and a blend of spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lahori Karahi?

Lahori Karahi is a traditional Pakistani curry dish originating from the city of Lahore. It’s made with tender lamb or mutton cooked in a spicy and aromatic tomato-based gravy, infused with a blend of flavorful spices.

Is it necessary to use lamb or mutton for this recipe?

While traditionally Lahori Karahi is made with lamb or mutton, you can also use other meats such as chicken or beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.

How spicy is Lahori Karahi?

The level of spiciness in Lahori Karahi can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. This recipe uses green chilli paste, chilli powder, and Kashmiri chilli powder for heat, but you can reduce the amount of chillies or omit them altogether for a milder version.

Can I make Lahori Karahi in advance?

Yes, Lahori Karahi actually tastes even better when made in advance as the flavors have time to meld together. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat it before serving.

Can I freeze leftover Lahori Karahi?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Lahori Karahi for future meals. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I substitute any of the spices or ingredients?

Feel free to customize the spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the spice level, add more or less of any particular spice, or even add additional ingredients such as bell peppers or potatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Do I need to use a wok for this recipe?

While a wok is traditionally used for making Lahori Karahi, you can also use a large skillet or frying pan if you don’t have a wok. Just make sure it has enough room to hold all the ingredients comfortably and allow for even cooking.

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Lahori Karahi

Lahori Karahi

by Nabeela Kauser
Whisk your taste buds away to the bustling streets of Lahore with the iconic Lahori karahi, a deliciously spiced lamb dish. Follow along and relish in creating this masterpiece of Pakistani cuisine right in your kitchen. 
5 from 20 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 6
Calories 660 kcal

Ingredients

  • 100 ml Olive Oil
  • 1 kg Lamb
  • 2 Onions Pureed
  • 3 Tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
  • 1 tsp Green Chilli Paste
  • 650 ml Water
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 100 g Yoghurt
  • Coriander
  • 1 tbsp Dried Fenugreek Leaves Methi
  • 2 Bullet Chillies
  • Ginger Julienne

Instructions

  • Heat up the olive oil in a wok on medium heat until hot
  • Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilli paste then sauté for 1-2 minutes – green chilli paste can be made by grinding 3 green chillies with a few tablespoons of water
  • Add the lamb/mutton and cook for 5 minutes on high heat until the colour changes
  • Add 500ml water before covering and cook for 60 minutes until the water dries up
  • Add the pureed onions and cook for 5 minutes
  • Add the salt, chilli powder, Kashmiri chilli powder and black pepper then cook the spices for 2-3 minutes on medium heat
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes
  • Add the yoghurt and the remaining 150ml water then stir immediately to prevent any curdling and cook for a further 8-10 minutes on medium heat
  • Add the cumin powder, bullet chillies and julienned ginger then cook for 2-3 minutes
  • Garnish with coriander and dried fenugreek leaves
  • Serve alongside a side of fresh homemade naan and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 660kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 911mgPotassium: 710mgFibre: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 44mgVitamin D: 0.2µgCalcium: 82mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Cooking, Curry, Food, Karahi, Lahori Karahi, Lamb, Mutton, Recipe, Spicy
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Latest comments (5)

Nabeela Kauser

5 stars
It’s great to hear from you! I haven’t made any changes to the recipe. Initially there was an error in the instructions where i missed out the onions. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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