Pasanda
Thinly sliced, mallet-beaten leg of lamb marinated overnight in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and whole spices, then simmered in a sauce of blanched almonds, fresh cream, and saffron — its name means 'chosen' or 'favourite' in Persian, referring to the preferred cut of Mughal emperors. The tenderising technique and the almond-saffron sauce are hallmarks of this royal Mughal court preparation.
Cuisines
Awadhi
Kashmiri
Mughlai
Delhi
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Build a full meal around Pasanda
Get a matched combo of sides and accents
Recipe
Prep: 30 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 70 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
300 grams | Lamb Or Beef Fillet |
|
2 tablespoons | Yogurt |
|
1 teaspoon | Ginger , paste |
|
1 teaspoon | Garlic , paste |
|
1 teaspoon | Red chili powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Coriander powder |
|
1/2 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
1/2 teaspoon | Garam masala |
|
1 cup | Onion , finely sliced |
|
1/4 cup | Cashew , nuts |
|
1/4 cup | Almond , chopped |
|
1/4 cup | Cream , whipped or vanilla ice |
|
2 tablespoons | Ghee or oil |
|
1 stick | Cinnamon |
|
3 | Cardamom , green pods |
|
4 | Clove |
|
1 teaspoon | Salt , or to taste |
|
— | Cilantro , fresh, for garnish |
Instructions
- 1 Slice the lamb or beef fillets into thin strips and set aside.
- 2 In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- 3 Marinate the meat strips in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- 4 Soak the cashew nuts and almonds in warm water for 15 minutes, then grind into a smooth paste.
- 5 Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
- 6 Add cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves, and sauté until fragrant.
- 7 Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- 8 Add the marinated meat along with the marinade to the pan and cook until the meat is browned.
- 9 Stir in the cashew and almond paste, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 10 Add cream and garam masala, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 11 Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- 12 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Tips
For a richer flavor, you can add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the dish.