If you love bold flavors and crave traditional Pakistani cuisine, this achar gosht recipe is the perfect dish for your next dinner. Bursting with the fiery heat of pickling spices and the richness of slow-cooked meat, achar gosht (literally “pickle meat”) is a beloved classic across Punjab and beyond.
Often served during Eid, family feasts, or weekend gatherings, this dish stands out for its distinct tangy aroma, spicy oil layer (tarka), and mouth-watering masala that clings to each piece of meat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌶️ Spicy & Tangy: The achar masala brings a unique flavor explosion.
- 🐐 Versatile Meat Options: Make it with mutton, beef, or chicken.
- 🍛 Restaurant-style Finish: Oil separation and aroma are unmatched.
- 🍽️ Perfect for Dawats: Looks festive and tastes divine.
- 👩🍳 Authentic & Homemade: Family-tested and full of flavor.
Ingredients List
🥩 Meat
- Mutton or beef – 1 kg (bone-in, medium pieces)
- Salt – to taste
- Ginger garlic paste – 1.5 tbsp
🧂 Achar Masala (Homemade or Store-Bought)
- Fennel seeds (saunf) – 1 tbsp
- Nigella seeds (kalonji) – 1 tsp
- Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) – 1 tsp
- Mustard seeds (rai) – 1 tsp
- Crushed red chili – 2 tsp
- Turmeric – ½ tsp
- Whole green chilies – 8–10 (slit)
🌿 Whole Spices
- Bay leaves – 2
- Black cardamom – 1
- Cloves – 4
- Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece
🧅 Base & Gravy
- Onions – 2 medium (sliced)
- Tomatoes – 2 large (pureed)
- Yogurt – ½ cup (whisked)
- Vinegar or lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Oil – ¾ cup (neutral oil or mustard oil)
Homemade Achar Masala (Optional)
To make achar masala from scratch:
- Dry roast fennel, nigella, mustard, and fenugreek seeds for 1–2 minutes.
- Grind coarsely and mix with red chili, turmeric, and salt.
- Store in an airtight jar and use 2–3 tbsp per kg of meat.
🛒 Shortcut: You can also use Shan or National achar gosht masala.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Meat
Mix meat with salt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, and yogurt. Let sit for 30 minutes. - Fry Whole Spices & Onions
Heat oil in a kadai. Add bay leaves, black cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Sauté sliced onions until golden brown. - Cook the Meat
Add marinated meat and bhunofy (fry) on high heat until color changes and oil begins to separate. - Add Tomatoes & Masala
Mix in tomato puree and achar masala. Cover and cook on low for 20–30 minutes (or pressure cook for faster results). - Simmer & Oil Separation
Cook uncovered until oil separates and masala thickens. Add green chilies and lemon juice or vinegar. - Final Touch
Let it simmer for 5 more minutes. Garnish with julienned ginger or coriander if desired.
Pro Tips & Expert Variations
- 🥵 For Less Heat: Use fewer green chilies or reduce red chili flakes.
- 🧈 For Rich Flavor: Add a dollop of ghee at the end for a dhaba-style touch.
- 🐓 Using Chicken: Reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes total.
- 🌶️ Extra Tangy: Add a spoon of mango pickle oil for a punchy flavor.
- 🧪 Oil Separation Tip: Don’t rush. Low flame cooking helps release authentic aroma and richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with garlic naan, tandoori roti, or basmati rice.
- Pair with zeera raita, kachumber salad, and lemon wedges.
- For Eid or special occasions, serve alongside a mild curry like zafrani qorma.
Storage & Reheating
- 🧊 Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- ♨️ Reheat on low flame to allow oil to resurface and flavors to revive.
- 💡 Pro Tip: It tastes even better the next day after masala soaks in.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken instead of mutton?
Yes! Chicken cooks faster and absorbs masala well—just adjust the cooking time.
Q: Is achar gosht very spicy?
Traditionally yes, but you can customize the chili levels as per your taste.
Q: Can I freeze achar gosht?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 weeks. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This achar gosht recipe brings together the bold flavors of traditional pickling spices and slow-cooked meat, making it a true desi comfort dish. Whether you’re cooking for Eid, a family dinner, or just craving something spicy and rich, this dish delivers every time.
👉 Tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments! Or send your version on Instagram with #MyDesiGosht.
