Karahi

 

Chicken Karahi

  Chicken Karahi 

 Chicken Karahi is a popular and beloved dish in Pakistani cuisine, known for its rich and spicy flavors. The name "Karahi" refers to the wok-like pot in which the dish is traditionally cooked. This dish is characterized by its distinct, tangy, and aromatic gravy, which is achieved through a combination of fresh tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices. 

Specialty of Chicken Karahi 

 The specialty of Chicken Karahi lies in its: 

 1. Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh tomatoes and green chilies gives it a vibrant and tangy flavor. 

2. Aromatic Spices: A blend of traditional spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala adds depth and warmth. 

3. Cooking Method: The high-heat, stir-fry technique in a karahi (wok) ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked with a slightly smoky flavor. 

4. Customization: Chicken Karahi can be customized to one's spice preference, making it a versatile dish for different palates. 

Recipe for Chicken Karahi 

  Ingredients: 

•  1 kg chicken, cut into pieces 
•  4-5 large tomatoes, chopped 
•  2-3 green chilies, chopped 
• 1 large onion, finely sliced 
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste 
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste 
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
•  1 teaspoon coriander powder 
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 
•  1 teaspoon garam masala 
•  Salt to taste 
•  1/2 cup yogurt (optional) 
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish 
• 1/2 cup cooking oil or ghee 
•  1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 

  Instructions: 

1. Heat oil in a karahi or a deep pan over medium heat. 

2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. 

3. Add onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. 

4. Add ginger and garlic paste and cook for a minute until fragrant. 

5. Add chicken pieces and cook on high heat until they change color and are partially cooked. 

6. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate. 

7. Add spices, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well. 

8. Cook the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked and the oil separates from the gravy. 

9. Optional Add yogurt and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken the gravy. 

10. Finish with garam masala and fresh lemon juice. 

11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. 

12. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice. 

  

Restaurants in Pakistan where Chicken Karahi is Available 

 1. Butt Karahi Lahore: Famous for its flavorful and rich Chicken Karahi. 

2. Savour Foods Islamabad/Rawalpindi: Known for its traditional and authentic taste. 

3. Karachi BBQ Tonight Karachi: Offers a delicious and aromatic Chicken Karahi. 

4. Zakir Tikka Lahore: A popular spot for Chicken Karahi lovers. 

5. Usmania Restaurant Various cities: Well-known for serving a variety of Pakistani dishes including Chicken Karahi. 

6. Khan Baba Restaurant Islamabad: Renowned for its tasty and spicy Chicken Karahi. 

7. Kolachi Restaurant Karachi: Offers a great dining experience with its delicious Chicken Karahi. 

 

Mutton Karahi

 Mutton Karahi 

 Mutton Karahi is a traditional Pakistani dish renowned for its rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors. It's a staple of Pakistani cuisine, especially popular in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions. The dish is named after the wok-like pan, called "karahi" or "kadai," in which it is cooked. The specialty of Mutton Karahi lies in its simple yet flavorful preparation that highlights the natural taste of the meat. 

Specialty of Mutton Karahi 

Tender Mutton: The use of tender, bone-in mutton pieces, which are cooked until they are melt-in-the-mouth tender. 

Spices and Aromatics:  A blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes, which create a rich and aromatic gravy. 

Quick Cooking: Unlike many other slow-cooked curries, Karahi is cooked relatively quickly, which helps preserve the fresh and vibrant flavors of the ingredients. 

Serving Style: Often served in the same karahi it is cooked in, adding to its rustic appeal. It's usually garnished with fresh coriander, ginger slices, and green chilies. 

 Recipe for Mutton Karahi 

 Ingredients: 

• 1 kg mutton (bone-in pieces) 
• 4-5 tomatoes, chopped 
•  1 cup yogurt (optional) 
•  1 tablespoon ginger paste 
•  1 tablespoon garlic paste 
• 4-5 green chilies, slit 
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder 
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 
•  Salt to taste 
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped 
•  Ginger, julienned for garnish 
• 1/2 cup oil or ghee 

 Instructions: 

 1. Heat the Oil: 

   In a large karahi or wok, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. 

 2.Cook the Mutton: 

   Add the mutton pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. 

 3.Add Aromatics:    

Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and cumin seeds to the karahi. Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears. 

 4.Tomatoes: 

   Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. 

 5. Spices: 

   Add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes. 

 6. Yogurt (Optional):  

  If using, add the yogurt and mix well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mutton is tender and the gravy is well-cooked. 

 7.Green Chilies: 

   Add the slit green chilies and garam masala. Cook for a few more minutes until the oil starts to separate again. 

 8. Garnish: 

   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and julienned ginger. 

 9. Serve: 

   Serve hot, preferably in the same karahi, with naan, roti, or rice. 

Restaurants in Pakistan Where Mutton Karahi is Available 

 Mutton Karahi is a popular dish available in many restaurants across Pakistan. Here are some notable places: 

 Lahore: 

1.Butt Karahi:  Famous for its rich and flavorful Karahi, located in Lakshmi Chowk. 

2. Bashir Dar-Ul-Mahi:  Known for its traditional taste, located in Mozang. 

3.Haveli Restaurant:  Located near Badshahi Mosque, offering a great ambiance and delicious Karahi. 

  Karachi: 

1.Kolachi: Located at Do Darya, known for its stunning sea view and delectable Karahi. 

2.Kababjees:  Offers a variety of Karahi dishes, located in multiple locations including Do Darya. 

3. Ghaffar Kebab House:  Renowned for its traditional taste, located in Burns Road. 

  Islamabad: 

1. Monal Restaurant:  Situated in the Margalla Hills, known for its scenic view and excellent Karahi. 

2. Khoka Khola:  Offers a rustic dining experience with delicious Karahi, located in F-7. 

3. Usmania Restaurant:  Located in F-10, known for its authentic Pakistani cuisine including Karahi. 

 Peshawar: 

1.Chief Burgers:  Known for its traditional Karahi, located in Saddar. 

2. Shinwari Restaurant:  Famous for its mutton dishes, located on University Road. 

3. Cafe Crunch:  Offers a variety of traditional dishes including Karahi, located in Hayatabad. 

 Beef Karahi 

 Beef Karahi is a popular and iconic dish in Pakistani cuisine, renowned for its rich and aromatic flavors. The dish gets its name from the traditional wok-like pot, called a "karahi," in which it is cooked. 

Beef Karahi

Specialty of Beef Karahi 

 Beef Karahi is celebrated for its robust and spicy taste, characterized by the use of fresh tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. Unlike other curry dishes, Karahi is typically dry, with a thick, clingy sauce that coats the meat. The high heat cooking in the karahi pan helps to lock in the flavors, giving the dish its distinct and intense taste. It's often garnished with fresh cilantro and ginger slices, adding a fresh, herbaceous note to the rich and hearty dish. 

  Beef Karahi Recipe 

  Ingredients: 

• 1 kg beef, cut into small cubes 
•  4 large tomatoes, chopped 
• 2 large onions, finely sliced 
•  2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 
•  4-5 green chilies, chopped 
• 1 cup yogurt 
•  1 tsp red chili powder 
•  1 tsp turmeric powder 
• 1 tsp garam masala 
•  1 tsp black pepper 
•  1 tbsp cumin seeds 
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds, crushed 
•  Salt to taste 
•  1/2 cup cooking oil 
•  Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish) 
•  Fresh ginger, julienned (for garnish) 

  Instructions: 

 1. Heat Oil: In a karahi or a heavy-based pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. 

 2. Fry Onions: Add the sliced onions and fry until they are golden brown. 

 3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. 

 4. Cook Beef: Add the beef cubes and cook on high heat until the meat changes color and is browned on all sides. 

 5.Spices and Tomatoes:  Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil begins to separate from the masala. 

 6. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook until the beef is tender. This can take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the quality of the beef. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 

7. Yogurt:  Once the beef is tender, add the yogurt and mix well. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the oil separates and the gravy is thick. 

 8.Final Spices: Add the garam masala, black pepper, cumin seeds, and crushed coriander seeds. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes. 

 9.Garnish: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and julienned ginger. 

 10.Serve: Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. 

 Restaurants in Pakistan Where Beef Karahi is Available 

 Beef Karahi is a staple in many restaurants across Pakistan, especially in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Here are some renowned places known for their delicious Beef Karahi: 

 1.Karachi: 

 Kolachi Restaurant: Famous for its scenic seaside view and delicious Beef Karahi. 

   Zahid Nihari:  While known for Nihari, they also serve a highly recommended Beef Karahi. 

   Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar Kabab House: Known for its BBQ and Karahi dishes. 

 2.Lahore: 

  Butt Karahi: An iconic spot famous for various types of Karahi. 

  Phajjay Ke Paye:  Known for traditional dishes, including an excellent Beef Karahi. 

Tayyab Tikka & Chargha House:  Popular for its spicy and flavorful Karahi. 

 3. Islamabad: 

  Monal Restaurant:  Offers a great view and delicious traditional dishes, including Beef Karahi. 

  Chilman Restaurant:  Known for its traditional and authentic Pakistani cuisine. 

   Savor Foods: Famous for its pulao, they also serve a delectable Beef Karahi. 

4. Peshawar:    

Chief Burger and Karahi:  A popular spot for Karahi lovers. 

  Shiraz Ronaq:  Known for its extensive menu of traditional dishes, including Beef Karahi. 

  Islamia Restaurant:  A long-standing favorite for its rich and flavorful Karahi. 

 These restaurants are well-known for their quality and taste, making them great choices to enjoy a delicious Beef Karahi. 

 

Butter Karahi

 Butter Karahi 

 Butter Karahi is a rich and flavorful variation of the traditional Karahi, a popular Pakistani dish known for its robust taste and aromatic spices. The key feature that sets Butter Karahi apart is the generous use of butter, which imparts a rich, creamy texture and enhances the dish's overall flavor profile. This dish is typically prepared with either chicken or mutton, cooked in a wok-like pan called a karahi, which gives the dish its name. 

 Specialty of Butter Karahi 

Creaminess: The addition of butter adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish, making it richer and more indulgent. 

Flavor Depth: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and butter creates a depth of flavor that is both complex and satisfying. 

Aromatic: The use of fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and green chilies, along with aromatic spices, gives the dish a tantalizing aroma. 

Versatility: It can be paired with various types of bread, such as naan or roti, or even rice, making it a versatile option for meals. 

Recipe for Butter Karahi 

  Ingredients 

• 1 kg chicken or mutton, cut into pieces 
•  100 grams of butter 
• 4 tablespoons oil 
•  2 large onions, finely chopped 
•  4 tomatoes, finely chopped 
•  2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste 
• 4-5 green chilies, slit 
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
•  1 teaspoon coriander powder 
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 
•  1 teaspoon red chili powder 
•   1 teaspoon turmeric powder 
• Salt to taste 
•  Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish) 
•  Ginger, julienned (for garnish) 
• 1 cup yogurt (optional for extra creaminess) 

  

 Instructions 

1.Heat the Pan: In a large karahi or wok, heat the oil and add butter. Let it melt and heat up. 

2.Add Aromatics: Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. 

3.Cook Ginger-Garlic: Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. 

4.Add Spices: Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Stir well to combine. 

5.Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and oil starts to separate from the mixture. 

6. Meat: Add the chicken or mutton pieces, and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes until the meat is seared. 

7.Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes (for chicken) or 40-45 minutes (for mutton), stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender. 

8. Green Chilies: Add the slit green chilies and cook for another 5 minutes. 

9. Finish: Add more butter if desired, and mix well. 

10.Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and julienned ginger. 

11.Serve: Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice. 

Restaurants in Pakistan Where Butter Karahi is Available 

 1. Butt Karahi, Lahore: Famous for its various Karahi dishes, including a rich Butter Karahi that attracts many locals and tourists. 

2.Bundu Khan, Karachi: Known for its traditional Pakistani cuisine, including a well-loved Butter Karahi. 

3.Monal, Islamabad: Offers a scenic dining experience with a variety of Karahi dishes, including Butter Karahi. 

4.Shinwari Restaurant, Peshawar: Specializes in meat dishes and is known for its delicious Butter Karahi. 

5.Savor Foods, Rawalpindi: Popular for its affordable yet flavorful Butter Karahi. 

 These places are renowned for their high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking methods, ensuring a memorable dining experience for Butter Karahi enthusiasts.