Spicy Mutton Masala is a flavorful and spicy mutton dish where tender mutton pieces are cooked in a rich blend of Indian spices, onions, and tomatoes. This dish is popular for its bold flavors and aromatic masala, making it a favorite in many households. The slow-cooked mutton curry absorbs the deep flavors of the spices, making every bite delicious.
This spicy mutton gravy is perfect to serve with steamed rice, chapati, or dosa. The combination of ginger-garlic paste, fennel seeds, and whole spices enhances the taste and gives the dish a restaurant-style feel. Whether for festive meals or a comforting weekend dish, this homemade mutton masala is a must-try for mutton lovers.
Mutton Masala
This is a dish which i tried for this Diwali lunch. We invited my newly wed brother and her wife for lunch that day and cooked few dishes like chicken fry, garlic tomato chicken roast, chettinaad mutton curry, and this one. They all turned out great.
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Now about this mutton masala, it is quite a simple dish, you can make it start to finish in pressure cooker, but I made it in a separate frying pan so you can look what is happening more clearly.
About Mutton Masala
Spicy Mutton Masala is a popular and flavorful mutton dish that is often made for special occasions and festive meals. Its rich mutton gravy and bold spices make it a favorite among those who enjoy authentic Indian mutton recipes. This dish is known for its deep flavors, making it a great choice when you want something special and satisfying.
I made this dish for Diwali lunch when we invited my brother and his wife for a special meal. Along with this, I prepared chicken fry, garlic tomato chicken roast, and Chettinad mutton curry, and everything turned out delicious.
Though the dish is easy to prepare, it has a rich and festive feel, making it perfect for special occasions or weekend feasts. If you love spicy mutton curry, this is a must-try. Let me know how it turns out when you make it.
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Why This Recipe Works?
1. Full of Authentic Flavors: This dish captures the true essence of Indian mutton recipes, making it a favorite for those who love traditional flavors.
2. Versatile Dish: It pairs well with different meals, whether you want to serve it with simple sides or as part of a festive spread.
Why This Dish is My Favourite - I can adjust the spice levels, making it as mild or fiery as I want, without losing its authentic taste. No matter how many times I make it, the flavors are always perfect, making it a favorite in my kitchen. Whenever I make it, everyone loves it, making it one of my go-to recipes for guests and family dinners.
3. Rich and Satisfying: The thick gravy and bold seasoning make this dish hearty and fulfilling, perfect for a comforting meal.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a regular family dinner or a special gathering, this dish always stands out and impresses guests.
Mutton Masala Ingredients
Mutton/Lamb: The key ingredient is mutton. It gives the rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
Oil: It is used to saute the spices and enhance the overall taste. You can use coconut oil for added flavour.
Fennel Seeds: Which adds a mild sweet taste to the dish that balances the heat from other spices.
Onion: It is the base of masala, giving the dish a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Curry Leaves: It infuses a fresh, earthy fragrance that complements the bold spices.
Ginger Garlic Paste: It enhances the taste with its strong, pungent kick and helps in balancing the flavors.
Green Chilli: Which brings a layer of heat and spice, making the dish more flavorful.
Tomatoes: It adds a slight tanginess and helps in forming a rich, thick gravy for the dish.
Yogurt/Curd - tenderizes the mutton, making it soft and juicy while adding a mild tangy taste.
Spice powders - Chilli Powder brings a spicy kick and a vibrant color to the dish. Coriander powder helps enhances the depth of flavor and adds an earthy touch. Cumin powder gives a warm, nutty aroma that complements the other spices.Turmeric adds a bright yellow color to the dish. Pepper and garam masala adds so much flavour.
Hacks
Using an iron pan instead of a non-stick one gives the masala a more authentic, earthy flavor.
Use bone-in mutton for more flavor. Bones add natural richness to the dish, making the gravy more flavorful.
Cook the masala well before adding the mutton to ensure a balanced and well-blended taste.
Leftover mutton masala tastes even better the next day as the spices develop deeper flavors over time.
How to Make Mutton Masala (Stepwise Pictures)
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| Take all your ingredients |
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| Take mutton pieces |
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| Add in yogurt |
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| Now add in the spices |
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| Salt |
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| Mix well and Marinate it |
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| Heat oil |
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| Add in fennel seeds |
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| Add in onions, chilli and curry leaves |
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| Saute for a while |
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| Add in ginger garlic paste |
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| mix well |
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| Add in tomatoes |
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| mix well |
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| cover and cook |
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| cook till it turn mushy |
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| add marinated mutton |
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| Mix well |
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| Now add this whole thing into a pressure cooker |
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| Cover and cook |
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| Till everything is cooked |
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| Serve |
Expert Tips
1. Use room temperature meat. Take the mutton out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. If using homemade spice powders, dry-roasting them first enhances their aroma and taste.
3. A tiny bit of sugar can enhance the dish by balancing the spices and acidity from tomatoes.
4. Cooking in a clay pot or iron pan adds a rustic taste and enhances the richness of the dish.
5. After sauteing, add a little water or stock to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
6. Cooking the mutton for too long can make the meat dry. Keep an eye on the timing for the perfect texture.
7. A final touch of fresh coriander leaves or a spoon of lemon juice enhances the flavors and makes the dish more appetizing.
Variation & Recipes
Onion Mutton Masala Recipe: It is a rich and flavorful dish where caramelized onions form the base of the masala, giving it a deep, slightly sweet, and spicy taste. The slow-cooked mutton absorbs the bold flavors of the spices, making it a delicious side dish for rice or roti.
Chettinad Mutton Recipe: It is a fiery South Indian dish known for its bold use of freshly ground spices like fennel, cinnamon, and star anise. The unique spice blend gives it an intense aroma and deep, complex flavors, making it a must-try for spice lovers.
Spicy Mutton Curry Recipe: It is a dish packed with aromatic spices and a rich, thick gravy. The combination of chilli powder, garam masala, coconut paste and slow-cooked mutton creates a mouthwatering dish that pairs well with rice or naan.
Pepper Mutton Curry: Pepper Mutton Curry is a spicy and aromatic dish where black pepper is the star ingredient, adding a deep, smoky heat. This dish is perfect for cold days as it is known for its warming and comforting properties.
Mutton Roast Recipe: This is a dry and flavorful dish where mutton is slow-cooked with spices until it becomes tender and coated in a thick masala. The crispy edges and deep flavors make it a perfect appetizer or side dish.
FAQ
1. How long should I marinate mutton for the best flavor?
Marinate for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight marination gives the best results as the spices penetrate the meat deeply.
2. How do I make mutton tender and juicy?
Use yogurt in the marinate, pressure cook for the right amount of time, and let the meat rest before serving for a softer texture.
3. Can I cook mutton without a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can slow-cook it in a pan, but it will take longer time usually around 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat.
4. How can I reduce the strong smell of mutton?
Wash it thoroughly with water, soak it in turmeric water for 15 minutes, and use aromatic spices like fennel and cinnamon.
5. Can I make mutton dishes less spicy?
Yes, reduce chilli powder and black pepper while keeping aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala for flavor balance.
6. What’s the difference between mutton curry and mutton masala?
Mutton curry has a more liquid-based gravy, while mutton masala is thicker and spicier with a richer consistency.
7. Can I cook mutton dishes in advance?
Yes, mutton dishes taste even better the next day as the flavors develop over time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
8. How do I prevent mutton from becoming chewy?
Avoid overcooking at high heat and always cook on medium to low heat to retain its tenderness.
More Mutton Recipes to Try
📖 Recipe Card
Mutton Masala Recipe (Lamb Masala)
Equipment
- Pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 large Onion peeled & sliced finely
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 no Green Chillies slit
- 2 large Tomatoes chopped finely
- ½ cup Water if needed
- 4 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped finely
For Marination
- ½ kg Mutton | Lamb cut into small pieces
- ½ cup Plain Yogurt | Curd
- 2 tsp Chilli powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tbsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1½ tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Take cleaned mutton pieces in a bowl. Add in all the marination ingredients in it and mix well. Let this marinate for a good 30 mins. You can leave it in fridge overnight too. If so take it out a hour before you cook so it comes to room temp.
- Heat oil in a kadai. You can do this whole thing in pressure cooker. I used a kadai so you can see what is happening in it.
- Add in fennel seeds and let it sizzle. followed by onions, chilli and curry leaves. Saute this for 5 mins or so. Now add in ginger garlic paste and saute for a min. Add in tomatoes. Cover and cook till it turns mushy.
- Now add in the marinated mutton along with all the marination.Mix well. Pour this whole thing in a pressure cooker, add ½ cup water if needed and cook for 6 to 7 whistle. Simmer and cook for a 20 mins.
- Now switch off the flame and let the steam all escape. Open the pressure cooker and mix well. Serve with rice.
Notes
Nutrition
If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.
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Dipti Joshi
Drooling! Tasty recipe to make mutton curry 🙂
Pretend Chef
Yummy!!!
Hasna Hamza Layin
ur step by step pictures always make me drool
Sathya...
Definitely going to try, Yummmmmyyyyyyy...
morri
I made this and it was great! I love mutton dishes.
Saravana Bharathi
Yummmmmmmy
Anonymous
Tried this recipie today...came out well..thanks...
Anonymous
Can I replace chopped onions with sliced
Anonymous
Can I replace chopped onions with sliced
Aarthi
@Anonymousyes u can
Ken Tran
I found your recipe while doing a search for mutton masala. I didn't know what mutton masala was. I thought that it was a dry powder or herb or some kind of liquid. So it is actually an entire dish. I'm new to Indian cooking. I was previously reading someone else's recipe for lamb curry. One of their ingredients was 2 Tbsp mutton masala. Does this mean they want me to cook an entire mutton masala dish on the side just for the juices and use it in their lamb curry? Or is this 2 Tbsp mutton masala some kind of powder or herb? Thanks for any help you can offer. Here is their recipe, if you need to take a look: http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/644385#comments
Aarthi
@Ken Tran
Mutton masala is a kind of garam masala powder where many spices are ground together. It can be easily found in indian super markets. Look in the powdered spices section
Aishwarya Nathan
hi , i tried this recipe it has come out very well, but is a litgtle sour coz of the curd i think is there ny way to reduce its sourness and retain the spiciness ?
Aarthi
@Aishwarya Nathanadd a little sugar. it helps in reducing the sourlevel
Anonymous
Hi Aarthi,
Can i add potatoes into this curry..I'm from Malaysia and i use eat chicken curry or mutton by adding potatoes
Aarthi
@Anonymousyes u can add potatoes
devi
mam.. i am not sure about how much time i want to cook that mutton dish in pressure cooker..? can u plz tell me how much viseel the mutton required to cook in pressure cooker from your experience in cooking with pressure cooker
Aarthi
@devimutton will take long to cook.. cook for 6 to 7 whistle. Simmer and cook for a 20 mins. Now switch off the flame and let the steam all escape. Open the pressure cooker and mix well.
Makan Kaki
So glad that I could find this recipe...can I know that what are the type of chilli powder that you used in this dish? Is it the ordinary red chilli powder using for meat?
Aarthi
@Makan Kakii used kashmiri chilli powder
Anonymous
Hi Aarthi,
Can I use small onions for this recipe? Will it turn sweet if I do so?
Aarthi
@AnonymousNo u can use small onions, it adds nice flavour and taste
Anonymous
Thanks Aarthi for such a delicious Recipe. Its nice and so tasty
Javed
Thanks Aarthi for this Delicious Mutton Masala Recipe I am Inspired by your Recipe..Thanks
Christine
I just made this exactly with your instructions and pictures. I served it with saffron rice and kachumber salad. Thanks so much for a delicious meal. I will definitely make this again. I now love my pressure cooker again.
Leena
I tried it few weeks back it was finger licking good. Yum!!! Gonna try again this week..thanks for the delicious recipe
Cooking Master
Click here to watch our best mutton kadai recipe its easy and delicious
Anonymous
hi Aarthi im ur fan. I like to ask u one question why u always add chillies and curryleaves with its stem does it add any special flavours?
Anonymous
Love this recipe. Your directions are excellent. Thanks for sharing and bringing this delicious meal into our house. Christine
Anonymous
Hi tried pepper fry it came out very well, my kid liked it,in this mutton Masala instead of curd can I use lime juice
Aarthi
Yogurt is important in this
Anonymous
Hi Aarthi, one quick question: you say "Mutton / Lamb - 1/2 kg cut into small pieces". Should I read that as "HALF" kg, or "ONE OR TWO" kg? I have two kg lamb and I'm trying to figure out how much to adjust the spice quantities. Thanks a ton for your lovely blog!
Anonymous
Hi aarthi to get more gravy can I add coconut
Aarthi
yes u can
Kavitha
Tried this dish it was yummy .thanks for Ur recipe
Rohini krishnan
Half cup means how much. I don't think 250 ml is enough for 6 whistles.
Aarthi
Water will come out of mutton as well. this is a thick dish so you dont need much water
Rohini krishnan
Quantity of water u added?
Hannan
Cooked this recipe yesterday for my in-laws and they loved it! Was hoping to keep some for our dinner but was all wiped out at lunch time! 🙂 I tried the recipe without the fennel seeds (i ran out and didnt have time to buy more), marinated overnight, added potatoes and garnished with fried shallots, mint leaves and coriander leaves. Served them with ghee rice and pineapple salad. It was a hit! Thank you so much Aarthi for this easy and delicious recipe.
Barbara Pepper
The UK is in lockdown at the moment, so my husband and I can't go to our favourite Indian restaurant. Instead I make curries at home, and this one was fabulous! Thank you , Aarthi.
NP
Hi Aarthi,
Tried this and it turned out so yummy! thanks for this amazing recipe. If I have to make this in instant pot what would you suggest to be the pressure cook time? 25-30 mins?
Thanks!
Praba
It was really helpful and informative. Honestly, I was able to cook without much complexity. Thanks for this wonderful recipe.
Software Development Company
the detailed instructions and tips, like using a pan for better visibility, are super helpful. Excited to try this festive recipe soon—thanks for sharing