Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu (Mutton Chops Curry) Recipe
Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu is a tantalizingly spicy and flavor-packed mutton dish that brings the best of Chettinad cuisine right to your table. This vibrant, rich curry is bursting with aromatic spices and herbs, making it a perfect choice for spice lovers. The tender mutton chops simmered in a zesty, thick gravy are sure to delight your family and guests during house parties or weekend dinners. If you’re craving a dish that combines heat, depth, and authenticity, this is the one to try!
Cuisine: Chettinad
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Mutton (Chops) | 500 grams |
Onions (Finely chopped) | 2 |
Tomatoes | 3 |
Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
Green Chilli | 1 |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Whole Black Peppercorns | 1-1/2 teaspoon |
Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
Dry Red Chilies | 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 |
Oil | 2 tablespoons |
For Marination:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Mutton (Chops) | As required |
Onion (Finely chopped) | 1 |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Coriander Leaves (for garnish) | As needed |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Instructions
-
Marinate the Mutton Chops:
- Begin by cleaning and washing the mutton chops thoroughly. To marinate, rub the mutton chops with 1 teaspoon of red chili powder and salt. Let them sit for 2 to 4 hours to absorb the flavors.
-
Cook the Mutton:
- Once marinated, heat 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 finely chopped onion in a pressure cooker along with 1 cup of water. Add the marinated mutton chops and pressure cook for 3 to 4 whistles, ensuring the mutton is tender and cooked through.
-
Prepare the Spice Mix:
- In the meantime, prepare the spice mix. Dry roast the cumin seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, dry red chilies, and mustard seeds in a wide pan. Roast them on a low flame for about a minute, being cautious to avoid burning. Once roasted, let the spices cool and grind them into a fine powder using a mixer grinder.
-
Prepare the Onion-Tomato Gravy:
- Chop onions finely and puree them along with the green chili. Similarly, chop tomatoes and puree them separately. Set these aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide pan. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the onion and green chili paste to the pan and sauté until the raw smell of the onions dissipates. Then, add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell of the paste is gone.
- Add the tomato puree and cook it down until it thickens and the oil separates from the edges.
-
Add the Spices:
- Now, add the ground spice mix (including red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder) along with salt. Stir well and cook for about a minute to let the spices bloom.
-
Simmer the Mutton:
- Add the cooked mutton chops (along with the water in which it was cooked) into the gravy. Let the curry simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a bit of water as needed. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Once the curry is ready, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve your Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu hot with steamed rice, dosa, or phulkas for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations:
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a touch of tamarind paste or a small piece of jaggery to balance the spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red chili powder and dry red chilies.
- Side Dishes: This curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes like steamed rice, jeera rice, parathas, or even a simple cucumber raita.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~250 kcal |
Protein | ~22 g |
Carbohydrates | ~8 g |
Fat | ~16 g |
Fiber | ~3 g |
Sodium | ~400 mg |
Chettinad Mutton Chops Kuzhambu is more than just a curry; it’s an experience full of bold flavors, tender meat, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a hearty meal with family, this dish will surely stand out as a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for spice lovers, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Chettinad cuisine straight to your kitchen!