Hyderabadi Marag Recipe
Cuisine: Hyderabadi
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Servings: 3
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Hyderabadi Marag is a rich, flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Hyderabadi cuisine. Marag refers to a type of mutton stew, and this particular recipe is known for its aromatic spices, tender mutton, and creamy, spicy gravy. It’s a dish traditionally served as a starter in Hyderabad, often paired with Rumali Rotis or phulkas. The aromatic spices and the smooth yogurt-based gravy create a comforting meal perfect for a weekend lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton (cut into pieces) | 300 grams |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 pieces |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | As required |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 150 grams |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Fresh Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/8 cup, chopped |
| Cashew Nuts | 12 pieces |
| Dry Coconut (Kopra) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by gathering all the ingredients for the recipe. Chop the onion finely and slit the green chilies. Keep the mutton pieces ready for cooking. -
Pressure Cook the Mutton:
In a large pressure cooker, add the mutton pieces, along with 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds), 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Add enough water to cover the mutton. Pressure cook the mixture for 1 whistle on high heat, and then reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 3 whistles. Let the cooker naturally release its pressure. -
Grind the Cashew and Coconut Paste:
While the mutton is cooking, take the cashew nuts and dry coconut in a small pan and dry roast them until they become aromatic. Allow them to cool slightly before grinding them into a smooth paste using a little water in a blender. -
Sauté the Spices and Paste:
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and add the garam masala powder, coriander powder, and the freshly ground cashew-coconut paste. Stir well and sauté for about a minute, allowing the spices and paste to blend into the mutton mixture. -
Add Yogurt and Simmer:
Whisk the curd (yogurt) until smooth and add it to the cooker. Stir continuously to avoid curdling. Let the gravy cook for a few minutes until it thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sides of the cooker. -
Final Touches:
Add the coriander leaves, mint leaves, and additional water to achieve the desired consistency of the gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Serving:
Once the Hyderabadi Marag is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve the warm mutton stew with fresh Rumali Rotis or soft phulkas for a complete meal.
Tips for a Perfect Hyderabadi Marag:
- Mutton Quality: Choose tender mutton pieces with a good amount of fat for rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Spices: Adjust the level of spices to suit your taste. You can increase or decrease the amount of garam masala or green chilies based on your spice preference.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the amount of water or cook it for a longer period. For a lighter consistency, add more water to the dish.
- Roast the Nuts Well: Roasting the cashews and coconut enhances their flavor and helps to create a rich, creamy paste.
This Hyderabadi Marag is a delectable blend of spices, tenderness, and warmth that will transport you straight to the streets of Hyderabad. It’s a wonderful dish to serve on special occasions or for a comforting weekend meal. Enjoy the flavors of this traditional Hyderabadi dish with family and friends!
