Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu: A Hearty Mutton Chops Curry
Dive into the rich and aromatic world of Chettinad cuisine with this exquisite Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu, a delightful mutton chops curry that brings together a medley of spices and flavors, promising a truly memorable culinary experience. Perfect for lunch or a special dinner, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of heritage, crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton (chops) | 500 grams |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 3 |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coriander Leaves | for garnish |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Chettinad
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
To embark on this culinary adventure with the Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu, start by thoroughly cleaning and washing the mutton chops, ensuring that they are ready to absorb all the wonderful flavors that await.
-
Marinate the Mutton:
In a mixing bowl, marinate the cleaned mutton chops with 1 teaspoon of red chili powder and salt to taste. Allow this mixture to sit for about 2 to 4 hours; this step is crucial as it helps in infusing the meat with the rich flavors. -
Pressure Cook the Mutton:
After marinating, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, one finely chopped onion, and about 1 cup of water to the mutton. Place this in a pressure cooker and cook for approximately 3 to 4 whistles, allowing the meat to become tender and juicy. -
Prepare the Onion and Tomato Purees:
While the mutton is cooking, finely chop the remaining onions and puree them along with the green chili. Similarly, chop the tomatoes and puree them separately. Set both purees aside for later use. -
Roast the Whole Spices:
Heat a wide pan over low heat, and dry roast the cumin seeds, whole black peppercorns, coriander seeds, dried red chilies, and mustard seeds for about a minute. Keep a close watch, as these spices can easily burn. Once they start to splutter, remove them from the heat, let them cool, and then grind them into a fine powder using a mixer grinder. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same wide pan, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the hot oil. Next, pour in the onion and green chili paste and sauté until the raw smell of the onion disappears. -
Incorporate the Ginger-Garlic Paste:
Add the ginger garlic paste to the pan, cooking it until its raw aroma fades. Then, introduce the tomato puree, cooking until it thickens and the oil begins to separate from the mixture, indicating that the tomatoes are well-cooked. -
Spice It Up:
Once the tomato mixture is ready, add the roasted spice powders along with the remaining red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Sauté everything together for about a minute, allowing the spices to blend beautifully. -
Combine and Simmer:
Add the cooked mutton chops to the pan, along with any leftover water from the pressure cooker. Mix everything well, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the curry appears too thick, add a bit more water to achieve your desired consistency. -
Final Touches:
Once simmered, taste and adjust salt as needed. Your Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu is now ready to be served! -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delightful curry with steamed rice, crispy dosa, or soft phulkas for a truly satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your culinary journey through Chettinad cuisine with this delectable Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu, a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and a taste of tradition with every bite.
