Chettinad Mutton Curry Recipe

Chettinad Mutton Curry is a beloved dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in South India. Known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices, this curry is a culinary delight that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite. Here's a detailed recipe for you to enjoy:

Ingredients:

• 500g mutton pieces, preferably with bone, cleaned and washed
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Whole Spices:

• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf

Dry Spice Powders:

• 2 tablespoons Chettinad masala powder (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the whole spices - cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Stir in the chopped ginger and garlic, and cook until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the grated coconut to the pan and roast until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
5. Now, add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
6. Add the mutton pieces to the pan and mix well with the onion-tomato mixture.
7. In a bowl, combine all the dry spice powders - Chettinad masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well and add this spice mixture to the pan.
8. Stir well to coat the mutton pieces with the spice mixture.
9. Add salt to taste and mix thoroughly.
10. Pour in enough water to cover the mutton pieces. Stir again.
11. Close the pressure cooker or cover the pan with a lid, and cook the mutton curry until it's tender. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 5-6 whistles on medium heat.
12. Once the mutton is cooked, check for seasoning and adjust as needed.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
14. Serve hot with steamed rice or parathas for a delicious and satisfying meal!

Chettinad Mutton Curry is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the rich and robust flavors of South Indian cuisine. With its intricate blend of spices and tender mutton, it's a dish that's sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate!