Himachali food: Khatta Meat (Rare non veg)

Himachali's have developed different tastes over the period of time. Himachali food finds bit resemblance with some food of south and the famous Punjabi food. Himachali's love to have Chattni, Khatta/Mahani,Khoru/Kheru, Achaar etc. along with food.Kangra area of Himachal is famous for different dhishes sour in taste. If you have been to Kangra you must have enjoyed famous Khatti dal. But, this time recipe for non-veg lovers. Khatta meat (Mutton sour in taste) and Khatti Machi(Sour fried fish) are among one of dishes which are rare these days.

Lets talk about Khatta meat. First of all prepare garam masala using badi and choti elaichi,few pieces of daal chini, cloves and grind them. Get fresh mutton and chop it in pieces. Now add some mustered oil(depending on quantity of mutton) into a pressure cooker or kadahi and add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chillies to it. Cook the mixture till it gets brown in color. Then add chopped tomatoes to the mixture and stir well till oil gets separated. Add chilli powder, garam masala, methi powder, salt, amchoor(dried mango powder) or Makadiyan(dried mango pieces) and dhania powder to it and cook well for 2-3 minutes. Now add mutton pieces to it and cook on full flame for 15-20 minutes and stir continuously. You can also add some lemon juice for flavour.Close the lid of the pressure cooker and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. In case you find even after 15-20 minutes mutton is not cooked well then cook it for additional 10-15 minutes.Serve Khatta meat with rice.

There are some Dhaba's on roadside which still serve traditional Himachali food including Khatta meat or Khatti machali.