RUMI’S JHAL GOSHT (BEEF OR LAMB CURRY)

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

Curry spices (see below)

1 1/2 pounds lamb or beef stew meat

1 cup yogurt

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (stems and leaves)

1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (depending on heat tolerance)

1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (seed and devein pepper to moderate heat)

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon each kosher salt and sugar

2 bay leaves

2 to 3 green or black cardamom pods, cracked open

1 cinnamon stick

4 whole cloves

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is best)

1. Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté until translucent to light brown. Add curry spices and stir well. Let spices cook, then add water sparingly to avoid sticking or burning—no more than 1 tablespoon at a time–throughout the cooking process, 6 to 8 minutes to develop flavor.

2. Add meat, stirring well to distribute; cook over medium to high heat until well seared.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add yogurt, tomato paste, and cilantro.

4. Cover and continue to braise for 40 to 50 minutes, until meat is tender.

5. Remove cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods.

TRY THIS: Substitute 1 whole chicken cut into generous pieces; braise until golden brown, then cook for 30 minutes.