Known as the "dish of kings," Gushtaba is a treasured part of Kashmiri Wazwan feasts. These soft, velvety mutton meatballs are simmered in a creamy yoghurt-based gravy, and infused with delicate spices that highlight the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Direction
Step 1
Simmer mutton bones in water for 30 minutes to extract flavour. Skim off any scum and strain the stock. Set aside.
Step 2
Blend minced mutton with salt and ground cardamom until it becomes a smooth paste. Wet your hands and shape the mixture into small, round meatballs (about 80g each).
Step 3
Heat ghee in a pan and lightly brown the meatballs. Set them aside.
Step 4
In the same pan, add whole spices (cardamoms, cloves, bay leaves), garlic, and onion paste. Sauté for a minute. Pour in the mutton stock and add salt. Slowly stir in the room-temperature yoghurt to prevent curdling.
Step 5
Gently place the browned meatballs into the gravy. Cover and cook on low heat for about 1 hour until the meatballs are tender and infused with flavour.
Step 6
Stir in more fried onion paste for added depth of flavour. Season with black pepper and sprinkle dried mint before serving.
Step 7
Gushtaba is best enjoyed with steamed rice, allowing the rich yoghurt gravy to shine.
Tip
For authentic texture, use hand-pounded mutton instead of machine-ground mince—this ensures the meatballs stay soft yet firm.