Pasanda

Pasanda

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

Lamb Or Beef Fillet 300 grams Lamb Or Beef Fillet
Yogurt 2 tablespoons Yogurt
Ginger 1 teaspoon Ginger , paste
Garlic 1 teaspoon Garlic , paste
red chili powder 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
coriander powder 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
garam masala 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
Onion 1 cup Onion , finely sliced
Cashew 1/4 cup Cashew , nuts
Almond 1/4 cup Almond , chopped
Cream 1/4 cup Cream , whipped or vanilla ice
ghee or oil 2 tablespoons Ghee or oil
cinnamon 1 stick Cinnamon
cardamom 3 Cardamom , green pods
Clove 4 Clove
salt 1 teaspoon Salt , or to taste
Cilantro Cilantro , fresh, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1 Slice the lamb or beef fillets into thin strips and set aside.
  2. 2 In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
  3. 3 Marinate the meat strips in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  4. 4 Soak the cashew nuts and almonds in warm water for 15 minutes, then grind into a smooth paste.
  5. 5 Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
  6. 6 Add cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves, and sauté until fragrant.
  7. 7 Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  8. 8 Add the marinated meat along with the marinade to the pan and cook until the meat is browned.
  9. 9 Stir in the cashew and almond paste, and cook for another 5 minutes.
  10. 10 Add cream and garam masala, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. 11 Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  12. 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.