Indian

Parsi Sali Boti

Sali boti is a Parsi mutton curry, sweet and sour with jaggery and vinegar, served under a pile of crisp potato straws.

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Parsi Sali Boti

1 hr 35 mintotal

Prep 20 min · Cook 1 hr 15 min

Serves
2
Difficulty
Hard
Spice
Mild

Ingredients

Quantities are for 2 servings.

You'll need: Stovetop.

Method

  1. Deep fry the fine potato matchsticks in hot oil until they achieve a pristine golden hue and incredible crispness. Drain thoroughly on a paper towel and set aside securely (These constitute the 'Sali').

  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the measured cooking oil. Add the finely chopped onions and fry steadily on medium heat until they turn a deeply caramelized golden brown.

  3. Incorporate the ginger-garlic paste and sauté diligently for a minute until the raw aromatic profile completely dissipates.

  4. Add the boneless mutton pieces (boti). Safely increase the heat and brown the meat vigorously for 10 minutes to sear the exterior and lock in the natural juices.

    10 min

  5. Stir in the turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and tomato puree. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes until the oil distinctly separates from the masala base.

    5 min

  6. Add the measured hot water and salt. Cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 50-60 minutes (or pressure cook expertly) until the mutton yields and becomes completely tender.

    50 min–1 hr

  7. Once the meat is cooked and the gravy has thickened, add the jaggery and vinegar. This is what gives the dish its Parsi khatto-mittho, sweet and sour, balance.

  8. Simmer gently for 3 more minutes to marry the flavors. Turn off the heat and stir in the garam masala. Serve hot on a plate, generously crowning the dish with the crispy potato Sali immediately before eating.

How to tell it's done

Tender, bite-sized meat pieces in a thick, sticky, sweet-and-sour red gravy, crowned with a mountain of shatteringly crisp potato sticks.

Getting it right

Tip

Never mix the Sali (potato matchsticks) into the gravy while cooking, or they will turn soggy. They must be sprinkled on top at the dining table for that essential crunchy contrast.

What to serve it with

A celebratory dish served at Parsi weddings (Navjotes). Eat it with soft fresh Pav buns or Chapatis.