Kerala Style Mutton Pepper Fry
A beloved classic from Kerala, the Kerala Style Mutton Pepper Fry is a delectable and aromatic dish that perfectly complements rotis, rice, dal, or even dosas. With the pungent heat of black peppercorns marrying beautifully with tender mutton, this dish is a must-try for those who enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. The distinct use of freshly ground black pepper adds a robust spice, making it an iconic choice for spice lovers. The traditional use of coconut oil further enhances the flavor, giving the dish a delightful richness. With the warmth of ginger, garlic, and curry leaves, this recipe embodies the heart of Kerala’s culinary traditions.
Cuisine:
Kerala Recipes
Course:
Appetizer
Diet:
Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton | 400 grams |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (for marination) |
| Lemon juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 onion |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Ginger (thin slices) | 1 inch |
| Curry leaves | 10 leaves |
| Black pepper powder | 4 tablespoons |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 2 teaspoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Coconut Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Instructions:
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Marinate the Mutton: Start by washing the mutton pieces thoroughly to remove any impurities. Once clean, place the mutton in a large bowl and add the cumin powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated with the spices. Set the marinated mutton aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
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Fry Aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic and ginger slices. Sautรฉ them for about 1 minute or until fragrant and slightly golden.
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Cook the Onions and Curry Leaves: Add the finely chopped onions and curry leaves to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Cook the Mutton: Add the marinated mutton to the pan along with 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring that the mutton is coated with the aromatic mixture of onions, garlic, and curry leaves. Cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the mutton to brown slightly.
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Add the Black Pepper and Coconut: Sprinkle in the black pepper powder and add the grated fresh coconut. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the spices and coconut.
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Simmer the Mutton: Pour in the 1/4 cup of water and stir again. Cover the pan and let the mutton cook on low heat for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mutton should become tender, and the water will gradually evaporate, leaving behind a thick, flavorful gravy. Keep an eye on it and add more water if needed to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
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Final Touch: Once the mutton is cooked and the water has mostly evaporated, check the seasoning and adjust the salt if necessary. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the mutton is coated in a flavorful, thick gravy, with a slight caramelization on the edges.
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Serve: Your Kerala Style Mutton Pepper Fry is ready to serve! This dish pairs wonderfully with Kerala Varutharacha Mutton Curry and steamed rice for a satisfying meal. For a more traditional touch, enjoy it with warm, soft rotis or dosas on the side.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Kerala Style Mutton Pepper Fry as a spicy, aromatic appetizer or a side dish with your favorite Kerala-style curries and rice for an authentic, comforting meal. The heat from the black pepper and the richness of coconut oil will surely delight your taste buds, transporting you straight to the coastal kitchens of Kerala.
This dish embodies the essence of Keralaโs culinary heritage: bold flavors, aromatic spices, and the comforting richness of coconut oil. Whether you’re serving it as a side to a grand meal or enjoying it as a standalone dish, this Kerala Style Mutton Pepper Fry will make a memorable addition to your repertoire of Indian recipes.
