Lahori Mutton Curry is a rich and flavorful dish that showcases the culinary heritage of Lahore, Pakistan. This curry is packed with aromatic spices, tender mutton, and a luscious gravy, making it perfect for festive occasions or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
For the Curry:
- 1 kg mutton (bone-in pieces)
- 3 large onions, finely sliced
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt, whisked
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 cup cooking oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Ginger juliennes
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently (about 10-12 minutes).
Step 2: Add Mutton and Spices
- Add the ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the mutton pieces and cook on high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mutton is browned.
- Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Yogurt
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and blend into the gravy (about 8-10 minutes).
- Lower the heat and add the whisked yogurt. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Curry
- Add 2-3 cups of water, depending on the desired consistency of the curry.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1-1.5 hours, or until the mutton is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the mutton is cooked, stir in the garam masala and slit green chilies. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and ginger juliennes.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice, along with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for the Best Lahori Mutton Curry
- Slow Cooking: Simmering the curry on low heat ensures the mutton becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spices and high-quality mutton for the best taste.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the red chili powder and green chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- Overnight Marination: For added flavor, marinate the mutton with ginger-garlic paste, salt, and yogurt overnight.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
This Lahori Mutton Curry is a celebration of bold flavors and traditional techniques. Serve it at your next gathering and enjoy the rich taste of Lahore’s culinary heritage!