Kawal (food)

Kawal (food)

Kawal is a traditional dish originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly popular in the regions of Punjab and Kashmir. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with a combination of meat, spices, and yogurt. Kawal is often enjoyed with naan or rice and is a staple in many households.

Ingredients

The main ingredients required to prepare Kawal are:

• 500 grams of boneless meat (chicken, lamb, or beef)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Preparation

To prepare Kawal, follow these steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add the finely chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown. 2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears. 3. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add it to the pan and mix well. 5. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir to combine all the spices. 6. Add the boneless meat to the pan and mix well, ensuring that the meat is coated with the spice mixture. 7. Cover the pan and let the meat cook on low heat until tender and cooked through. This may take around 30-40 minutes, depending on the type of meat used. 8. Once the meat is cooked, sprinkle garam masala over it and give it a final stir. 9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving

Kawal is best served hot with naan or steamed rice. It can be accompanied by a side of raita (yogurt-based side dish) or salad for a complete meal.

See Also

• Punjabi cuisine
• Kashmiri cuisine