1. Marinate the Mutton
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and salt.
- Marinate Mutton: Add the mutton cubes to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Cook the Curry
- Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Add Green Chilies and Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the tomato puree or chopped tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and fenugreek seeds (if using). Cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Add Marinated Mutton: Add the marinated mutton to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned on all sides.
- Add Water/Broth: Pour in the water or beef broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the mutton is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning.
3. Final Touches
- Add Coconut Milk: If using, stir in the coconut milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
- Add Garam Masala: Stir in the garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Serve
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the mutton curry hot with rice, naan, or roti. Optionally, serve with sliced onions and lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Success
- Tender Meat: Cooking the mutton slowly at a low temperature helps to tenderize the meat and allow the flavors to meld.
- Marination: Marinating the mutton helps to infuse it with flavor and makes it more tender.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies based on your heat preference.
Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Add vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the curry for a heartier dish.
- Yogurt: For a tangier flavor, add a bit more yogurt to the curry.
- Spice Adjustments: Customize the spice levels by adding more or less of the spices to suit your taste.
Conclusion
This Mutton Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. With tender mutton pieces and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this delicious curry with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal!