Tabakh Maaz

Tabakh Maaz

Tabakh Maaz

Ribs (maaz) boiled in a spiced broth with milk, whole spices, and saffron until completely tender, then transferred to a flat pan and fried in ghee until the exterior caramelises to a rich golden crust and the bone ends become crisp enough to eat. Served as an early course at the Wazwan, it represents the transformation of a humble cut into something opulent through technique alone.

Cuisines

Kashmiri

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

500 grams lamb ribs
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 bay leaf
3 green cardamom pods
1 black cardamom pod
4 cloves
1 inch cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon fennel powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 cup water
salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pot until it starts to smoke.
  2. 2 Add bay leaf, green cardamom, black cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. 3 Add the lamb ribs and sear them on all sides until browned.
  4. 4 Add fennel powder, ginger powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
  5. 5 Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
  6. 6 Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.
  7. 7 Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Tips

For a richer taste, cook the dish on low heat to allow the spices to infuse deeply into the meat.