How to Make Phaal - A Step-by-Step Guide

Phaal, also known as "the hottest curry in the world," is a fiery and flavorful dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. This dish is not for the faint of heart, as it is known for its extreme spiciness that can bring tears to your eyes and leave your taste buds tingling. The name "Phaal" is derived from the Bengali word for "hot" or "spicy," and this curry lives up to its name in every way.

Phaal is traditionally made with a variety of spices and peppers, including the infamo...

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Ingredients

  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • ¼ cup water
  • 10 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 3 ghost chile peppers, stemmed and coarsely chopped (use gloves)
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger root
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds cubed lamb
  • ¼ cup clarified butter (ghee)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Combine tomatoes, water, garlic, ghost peppers, ginger, tomato purée, salt, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and pepper in a blender. Pulse several times to chop ingredients, then blend until liquefied.
  • Transfer blended mixture to a large bowl. Add lamb and stir to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  • Melt ghee in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully pour lamb and marinade into the pot and bring to a boil. Cook and stir until sauce begins to thicken about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until lamb is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro.
  • Nutrition

    316 cal.

    • Total Fat: 17g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 120mg
    • Sodium: 1099mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 8g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 32g
    • Vitamin C: 10mg
    • Calcium: 52mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 645mg