If you’ve ever craved a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that beautifully blends spices with tender minced meat, then Dum Ka Qeema is the recipe for you. This traditional Mughlai delicacy is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices and meat to meld together into an aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Whether you’re cooking for a family feast or a cozy dinner, Dum Ka Qeema promises to deliver a burst of authentic flavors with every bite.
This recipe takes you on a culinary journey with a blend of freshly ground spices, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of creaminess that enhances the texture and taste. Pair it with soft naan, fragrant basmati rice, or even stuffed in parathas for a satisfying meal.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the entire process—from the ingredients to serving suggestions—ensuring your Dum Ka Qeema turns out irresistibly delicious every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dum Ka Qeema is a dish that embodies comfort and tradition. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Deep, complex flavors: Slow cooking allows the spices to fully infuse the minced meat, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish.
- Versatility: Serve it as a main dish with rice, stuff it in bread, or use as a filling in wraps and rolls.
- Easy to prepare: Despite its luxurious taste, the recipe is straightforward and perfect even for beginner cooks.
- Customizable spice levels: Adjust the heat to your liking without compromising the authentic flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings: This recipe scales well, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 500 grams minced meat (mutton or beef)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 4 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
- 1/2 cup yogurt, whisked
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 green chilies, slit (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon cream (optional, for richness)
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Blender or food processor (for tomato puree)
- Serving bowl or dish
Instructions
- Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This caramelization adds depth to the flavor, so take your time here.
- Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir well to coat the onions and paste with the spices.
- Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala, about 8-10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add the minced meat. Stir continuously to break up lumps and cook until the meat changes color and is no longer pink.
- Add salt and whisked yogurt to the meat mixture. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the yogurt to blend in without curdling.
- Pour in water to achieve your desired consistency. Cover the pan with a tight lid to create the ‘dum’ effect and cook on low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meat is tender and the gravy has thickened, sprinkle garam masala and add slit green chilies for an extra kick. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cream if using, to add richness. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steaming basmati rice, naan, or parathas.
Tips & Variations
“For the most tender meat, choose fresh minced mutton or beef with some fat content. If you prefer lean meat, add a tablespoon of ghee to keep the dish moist.”
- Slow Cooking: The key to Dum Ka Qeema is slow cooking. Use a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker (reduce cooking time) for best results.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute minced meat with plant-based mince or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and green chilies according to your heat preference.
- Add Nuts: For a richer texture, garnish with fried cashews or almonds.
- Tomato Substitute: You can use fresh tomatoes instead of puree, but puree ensures smoother gravy.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Dum Ka Qeema is best enjoyed warm with sides that complement its robust flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Steamed Basmati Rice: The fragrant and fluffy grains soak up the rich qeema gravy beautifully.
- Butter Naan or Garlic Naan: Use them to scoop up the qeema for a delightful bite.
- Parathas: Stuff the qeema inside layered parathas for a hearty and portable meal.
- Fresh Salad: A cool cucumber raita or a simple onion and tomato salad balances the spices.
- Pickles and Chutneys: Serve with tangy mango pickle or mint chutney for added zing.
Conclusion
Dum Ka Qeema is a timeless dish that brings together the warmth of aromatic spices and the richness of slow-cooked minced meat. Its deep flavors and tender texture make it a perfect choice for those who love authentic Mughlai cuisine.
The recipe is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing you to customize the spice level and accompaniments to suit your palate.
Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting home-cooked meal, Dum Ka Qeema has you covered. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to broaden your culinary horizons.
📖 Recipe Card: Dum Ka Qeema
Description: A flavorful slow-cooked minced meat dish infused with aromatic spices and herbs. Perfect served with steamed rice or flatbreads.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g minced lamb or beef
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add minced meat and cook until browned.
- Mix in turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates from the masala.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 6 g
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