Simple Mutton Curry with Coconut Recipe
A comforting and flavorful dish from the rich culinary tradition of South India, this Simple Mutton Curry with Coconut combines tender mutton pieces with aromatic spices and a creamy coconut paste, delivering a delightful balance of heat and richness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and simplicity. Serve it with warm Whole Wheat Laccha Paratha and a cool, creamy Burani Raita for the perfect weekend dinner.
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton (goat meat) | 400 grams |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Ginger-Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Green Chilies (chopped) | 6 |
| Fresh Coconut (grated, or dry) | 1/2 cup |
| Ginger (1/2 inch piece) | 1 |
| Garlic (4 cloves) | 4 |
| Whole Spices | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cloves (Laung) | 8 |
| Black Peppercorns | 6 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 4 sprigs |
| Spices and Seasoning | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Marination Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cooking Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Water (as required) | As needed |
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Paste
Begin by making the coconut paste. In a grinder, combine the fresh grated coconut, ginger, and garlic with a little water to create a smooth, thick paste. Set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Marinate the Mutton
Thoroughly wash the mutton pieces 3 to 4 times under running water. Drain well and add all the marination ingredients: curd, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with the mutton, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Allow the mutton to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step 3: Temper the Whole Spices
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, black cardamom, and bay leaves. Sauté for about a minute until the whole spices become fragrant. Add the curry leaves and green chilies, and continue sautéing for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Tomatoes
Now, add the chopped onions to the saucepan. Fry them on medium-high heat until they become translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they turn soft and mushy, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Spices
Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan, frying it until the raw smell dissipates, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well, ensuring the spices coat the onion-tomato mixture. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to loosen it up and create a smooth sauce base.
Step 6: Cook the Mutton
Add the marinated mutton pieces to the pan. Stir the mixture, ensuring the mutton is well-coated with the spices. Cover the pan and cook the mutton on medium-high heat until it becomes tender. This should take approximately 25-30 minutes, but the cooking time may vary depending on the tenderness of the mutton. Stir occasionally and add water as needed to prevent burning or sticking.
Step 7: Add Coconut Paste
Once the mutton is cooked and tender, add the prepared coconut paste to the pan. Mix well to incorporate the coconut flavor into the curry. Let the curry simmer on medium heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the coconut paste to meld with the meat and spices.
Step 8: Final Adjustments
Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or red chili powder if necessary. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water and simmer for a few minutes until you reach your desired thickness.
Step 9: Serve
Once the curry is perfectly seasoned and the mutton is tender, remove the pan from heat. Serve your Simple Mutton Curry with Coconut hot, alongside Whole Wheat Laccha Paratha or steamed rice. Pair it with Burani Raita for a complete, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Whole Wheat Laccha Paratha: This flaky, layered flatbread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich, flavorful curry sauce.
- Burani Raita: A yogurt-based side dish with garlic and mint that helps cool down the heat of the curry while adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mutton.
This Simple Mutton Curry with Coconut is a delightful dish, perfect for any special occasion or a weekend dinner. The combination of spices, tender mutton, and creamy coconut creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
