Halli Style Mutton Saaru Recipe – South Indian Mutton Curry
Discover the bold and aromatic flavors of Karnataka with this traditional Halli Style Mutton Saaru, a delightful South Indian mutton curry. Rich in spices, fresh coconut, and coriander, this dish is perfect for pairing with soft Ragi Mudde (Karnataka-style ragi balls) or steamed rice, making for a wholesome meal. This flavorful curry is easy to prepare with a pressure cooker, and it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton (cut into small pieces) | 1/2 kg |
| Onions (sliced) | 2 |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Curry Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 3 tablespoons |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 4 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies | 3 |
| Dry Red Chilies | 3 |
| Ginger | 1 inch |
| Garlic Cloves | 8 |
| Poppy Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Roasted Gram Dal (Pottukadalai) | 1 tablespoon |
| Sambar Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4 people
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Karnataka, South Indian
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutritional Information
This curry is rich in protein from the mutton, as well as vitamins and minerals from the coconut, coriander, and tomatoes. The added spices such as ginger, garlic, and curry leaves provide both flavor and medicinal benefits, supporting digestive health and boosting immunity.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mutton and Spices
- Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the mutton pieces to ensure they are free from any impurities. Set them aside.
- In a mixer jar, combine grated fresh coconut, chopped tomatoes, coriander leaves, green chilies, dried red chilies, ginger, garlic, poppy seeds, roasted gram dal, salt, and sambar powder. Grind these ingredients together into a smooth paste, adding a little water if needed. Once ground, transfer this masala paste into a bowl and set it aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Curry
- Heat sunflower oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add curry leaves and allow them to crackle, releasing their aromatic flavor into the oil.
- Next, add the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial to build the deep flavor base for the curry.
- Once the onions are browned, add the ground masala paste to the cooker. Stir the mixture well and cook until the oil starts to separate from the masala. This indicates that the spices are well-cooked and ready to infuse their flavors into the mutton.
Step 3: Cooking the Mutton
- Add the mutton pieces into the cooker and stir well to ensure the pieces are evenly coated with the masala.
- Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and stir again. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 whistles, allowing the mutton to tenderize and soak in the flavors.
- Once the cooking is complete, turn off the flame and allow the pressure to release naturally. Be patient as this step ensures the mutton stays tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Serving the Mutton Saaru
- Open the pressure cooker and give the curry a final stir. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Serve the Halli Style Mutton Saaru hot, alongside soft and fluffy ragi mudde, steamed rice, or crispy ghee roast dosa for a true Karnataka-style feast.
Tips for a Perfect Halli Style Mutton Saaru:
- For richer flavor: You can dry roast the poppy seeds and roasted gram dal before grinding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor in the masala paste.
- Adjusting spice levels: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the number of green chilies and dry red chilies. Alternatively, you can increase them for a spicier version.
- Tender mutton: Ensure the mutton is cooked until it’s tender but not overcooked. The pressure cooker works wonders for making mutton soft and juicy in a short time.
- Serving suggestions: Pair this curry with Karnataka’s staple dishes like ragi mudde, steamed rice, or ghee roast dosa to make it a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Halli Style Mutton Saaru:
This South Indian mutton curry is not just about the meat—it’s about the flavorful blend of spices and coconut that make it a comforting yet invigorating dish. The deep brown color of the curry, the fragrant aroma of curry leaves, and the tender mutton pieces coated in the rich masala sauce make it a perfect dish for a cozy meal with family or guests.
With its roots in Karnataka, this curry reflects the heart of Halli-style cooking, where every meal is infused with the bounty of local ingredients and aromatic spices. If you’re looking to explore authentic South Indian flavors, Halli Style Mutton Saaru should definitely be on your list.
