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8 MINS delivery
Kerala Mutton Curry
Serves 4
50 mins
480 Kcal
Kerala mutton curry: this one brings forward the overused spices of Kerala, yet it is still a paan-soaked, flavourful dish, most of all tasty - with the melty pieces of mutton well-cooked in a fragrant and spicy gravy, cherished across the southern region of India as it mainly serves with rice, appam, or parotta. It combines the deep, earthy flavours of mutton with coconut and the complex seasoning of curry leaves and regular spices, like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and black pepper. A fundamental Kerala mutton curry recipe begins with marinating the mutton pieces in a mixture of yoghurt, turmeric, and red chilli powder to make the meat soft and slightly flavoured. The curry base is made by saut ing onions, ginger, garlic, and green chillies in coconut oil until golden brown, creating a deep aromatic foundation. Once the spices—such as fennel seeds, cinnamon, and cloves—are added, they are lightly roasted to release their full flavour. The pot is now filled with the marinated mutton. The meat is sealed by being seared, then cooked in coconut milk and water. The curry stews slowly until the mutton is soft and the flavours blend well. Coconut milk is a defining characteristic of Kerala mutton curry. It has a silky mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness that offsets the spice heat of the dish. Curry leaves are used as garnishing, often with a touch of garam masala, to be devoured without moderation by someone looking for a comfortable, bold dish rich with flavour.
Ingredients required for Kerala Mutton Curry
- 5-6 kashmiri dry red chilies
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tbsp whole coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 4-5 black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 500 gms goat mutton
- 1 tsp chopped ginger
- 1 tsp chopped garlic
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 15-20 curry leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped shallots
- 1-2 green chilies
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup thinly sliced onions
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 6-8 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp sliced fresh coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder
Cooking steps for Kerala Mutton Curry
- 1Let's explore the delicious recipe of the Kerala Mutton Curry.
- 2Start by roasting your spices like a pro. Toss 5-6 Kashmiri dry red chilies (sans stalks), ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds, 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, a 1-inch cinnamon stick, 3-4 cloves, 4-5 black peppercorns, and 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds into a hot pan. Toast until fragrant.
- 3Grind this into a fine powder, and you've just nailed the base for your curry's incredible depth.
- 4Heat up 1 teaspoon of oil in a big pot and saut 1 teaspoon each of chopped ginger and garlic until they release their magical aroma.
- 5Stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon salt, letting it all blend into the sizzling mix. Now, add 10-12 curry leaves for that signature Kerala flavor—let them crackle and pop for a minute.
- 6Next up, throw in ¼ cup of chopped shallots and 1-2 slit green chilies. Stir-fry until the shallots turn tender and sweet, creating the perfect balance for the heat of the chilies.
- 7Time for the mutton! Add 500 gms of bone-in goat mutton cut into 1-11/2-inch pieces. Stir and sear the mutton until it browns slightly and soaks up all those dreamy flavors.
- 8Pour in 1 cup of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Trust the process—this is where the magic happens.
- 9Meanwhile, let's get that curry base glowing.
- 10Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in another pan.
- 11Toss in 15-20 curry leaves and let them dance in the oil until fragrant.
- 12Add 1 cup of thinly sliced onions and saut until golden brown.
- 13Stir in 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 6-8 smashed garlic cloves, followed by 2 tablespoons of sliced fresh coconut.
- 14Saut until your kitchen smells divine.
- 15Add ¼ cup finely chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, then stir in 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder for that deep, vibrant hue.
- 16Combine this curry base with the tender mutton and let it simmer together for another 15 minutes.
- 17Add water if needed to get that perfect, velvety consistency. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh curry leaves, alongside steamed rice, fluffy appams, or flaky parottas. This Kerala Mutton Curry is spicy, aromatic, and unapologetically bold.