Awadhi Mavželj

Ingredients

In the original Slovenian Mavželj, the dish typically consists of meat, potatoes, and onions cooked together in a hearty stew. The Awadhi adaptation introduces a new dimension of flavors by incorporating a blend of aromatic spices, a creamy gravy, and the use of cashews, almonds, and rose water. The slow-cooking technique and the addition of saffron further enhance the richness and complexity of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Mavželj, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless lamb or chicken, cut into pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless lamb or chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, slit 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 cup (240ml) yogurt, whisked 1 cup (240ml) yogurt, whisked
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (30g) cashews, soaked in water 1/4 cup (30g) cashews, soaked in water
• 1/4 cup (30g) almonds, soaked in water 1/4 cup (30g) almonds, soaked in water
• A pinch of saffron strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk A pinch of saffron strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
• 1 teaspoon rose water 1 teaspoon rose water
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Fried onions, for garnish Fried onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 30g (total), 15g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (total), 4g (sugars)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine the ground cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Add the spice mixture to the pan and cook for a minute, stirring continuously.
5. 5.
   Add the meat pieces to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the whisked yogurt. Stir well to coat the meat with the yogurt.
7. 7.
   Cover the pan and let the meat cook on low heat for about 1 hour or until tender, stirring occasionally.
8. 8.
   Meanwhile, drain the soaked cashews and almonds. Grind them to a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.
9. 9.
   Once the meat is tender, add the cashew-almond paste to the pan and mix well.
10. 10.
    Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
11. 11.
    Add the saffron strands soaked in milk, rose water, and salt to taste. Mix gently.
12. 12.
    Cover the pan and let the dish simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
13. 13.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried onions.
14. 14.
    Serve hot with naan or rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cashews and almonds — Soaking them in water helps in achieving a smooth paste consistency. Make sure to drain them well before grinding.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more or less cream according to your preference.
• Marinating the meat in yogurt for a few hours before cooking can enhance its tenderness and flavor.
• To make the dish more aromatic, add a few strands of saffron directly to the marinade.

Serving advice

Awadhi Mavželj pairs beautifully with naan bread or fragrant basmati rice. Serve it hot to fully enjoy the flavors and aromas.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a generous amount of fried onions. The vibrant colors of the dish will be visually appealing and add an extra layer of flavor.