Begin by heating the olive oil and ghee in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Watch as the fat begins to shimmer, which indicates it's hot enough for cooking. This is the perfect time to add the beef. Fry the beef cubes until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This browning step is essential for developing complex flavors, so take your time. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onions and sauté for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they caramelize and turn golden brown. This process enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish. As you stir, you’ll notice the lovely aromas filling your kitchen. Once they’re beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
Now, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, sweet paprika, turmeric, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and garam masala. Stir and let them toast for a minute or so, releasing their wonderful fragrances. This step is crucial as it blooms the spices, enhancing their flavors.
Next, mix in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and meld with the spices.
Now, it’s time to stir in the yogurt, which will provide creaminess and richness to the dish. Once the yogurt is incorporated, add back the browned beef, along with the beef stock, bay leaf, cardamom pods, and salt. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender beef that practically falls apart.
After an hour, add the thawed and drained spinach to the pot. This is where the dish gets its vibrant green color and nutritional boost. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the spinach to absorb the flavors.
As the time nears, taste for seasoning. This is your chance to adjust the salt to your preference. A pinch more can elevate the dish even further.
Once done, serve your Saag Gosht hot with steamed Basmati rice or naan. The warmth and complexity of this dish will surely impress your family and friends.