- 1
Let's begin with the marinate for the mutton pieces.
- 2
Mix all the above ingredients in a large bowl: curd, onion paste, ginger, garlic paste, salt, and mix well to coat the mutton pieces evenly with the marinade.
- 3
Cover the bowl with a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 - 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time.
- 4
Once the mutton is well marinated, add 2 Tbsps of ghee clarified butter to a pressure cooker on medium heat.
- 5
Mix and add whole spices for tempering. This will typically include 2-3 green cardamom, 2-3 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, and two bay leaves.
- 6
Let this infusion of spices sizzle in their fragrance and infuse the ghee with its aroma.
- 7
After draining the excess marinade on the mutton pieces, put them into the pressure cooker.
- 8
Fry the mutton for 2-3 minutes in medium-high heat.
- 9
Stir occasionally so that the meat is adequately seared on all sides, locking the juices from inside the mutton.
- 10
After browning the mutton, add the remaining marinade to it along with 2 cups of warm water; stir well and pour it into the pressure cooker containing mutton.
- 11
Bring the mixture to a boil, close the lid and cook with 4 to 5 whistles.
- 12
Meanwhile, in the large wok or pan, where mutton is being cooked on medium heat, melt in the balance ghee and pour approximately 3-4 Tbsps of it.
- 13
Now add the remaining onion paste and saut for approximately 1-2 minutes, which allows onions to caramelise, thus giving the rich flavour to the gravy.
- 14
Now add the poppy seed paste and cashew paste to the onions, and mix well for the next 2-3 minutes.
- 15
Add a pinch of crushed mace and 1/4 Tsp of nutmeg powder.
- 16
This gives added warmth and depth to the flavoured profile of the dish.
- 17
Once the ghee has separated from the masala, add the partially cooked mutton pieces from the pressure cooker to the wok.
- 18
Toss the mutton for 4 to 5 minutes till the meat absorbs all the flavours of the onion, cashew, and poppy seed paste.
- 19
Add the spiced mutton stock - that liquid from your pressure cooker - to the pan. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- 20
Allow the curry to simmer covered over low heat until the mutton is well-cooked and the gravy has thickened.
- 21
Once the mutton is cooked, season with salt and sugar. Mix the preparation so that the flavours also spread uniformly.
- 22
Once well-cooked, switch off the flame and transfer to a serving bowl.
- 23
Add a dollop of ghee on top for an added richness.
- 24
Serve the recipe of Mutton Rezala over hot steamed basmati rice, paratha, and naan.