🌟Introduction: Mutton Karahi
In South Asian cooking, Mutton Karahi is a showstopper; it’s rich, spicy, and incredibly delicious. This meal, called “karahi” after the traditional wok-like pan it is cooked in, is renowned for its rich tomato base, flavorful mutton chunks that slide off the bone, and depth of spice.
The absence of onions in this restaurant-style recipe maintains the flavor’s intensity and purity. The distinctive karahi texture—thick, oily masala that clings to tender meat with bursts of black pepper, green chilies, and fresh ginger—can be achieved with just a few ingredients and the proper cooking method.
Time & Yield
◘ Prep Time: 15 minutes ◘ Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours ◘ Total Time: 2 hours ◘ Serves: 4–5
Ingredients of Mutton Karahi:
🐐 For the Mutton
✔ 750g bone-in mutton (shoulder or leg pieces)
✔1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
✔ ½ tsp turmeric
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ Water for boiling
🍅 For the Karahi Masala
✔ 4–5 medium ripe tomatoes (roughly chopped or peeled & crushed)
✔ 2 tsp. flakes of red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
✔ 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (for color)
✔ 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
✔ 1 tsp crushed black pepper
✔ 1 tsp garam masala
✔ Salt to taste
✔ ¼ cup yogurt (optional for restaurant-style richness)
🧈 For Cooking
✔ ½ cup oil or ghee (preferably mustard oil or desi ghee)
✔ 2–3 green chilies (slit)
✔ 1 tbsp ginger (julienned)
✔ Fresh coriander for garnish
👨🍳Step-by-Step Instructions for Mutton Karahi
Step 1: Boil the Mutton
1. In a pressure cooker or deep pot, add mutton, turmeric, salt, ginger-garlic paste, and enough water to cover.
2. Pressure Cook for 4–5 whistles or simmer in a covered pot for 60–90 minutes until tender.
3. Save Mutton Yakhni For later use
Step 2: Prepare the Mutton Karahi Masala
1. In a large karahi, heat oil/ghee until hot.
2. Add the tomatoes and cook on high flame, stirring constantly, until they break down completely and oil begins to separate (about 10–12 minutes).
3. Add red chili flakes, Kashmiri chili, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3–5 minutes to develop a rich masala.
Step 3: Add the Mutton
1. Add the cooked mutton to the tomato masala. Fry on medium-high heat, stirring to coat each piece in the masala.
2. Keep frying (bhunai) until the oil begins to separate and the gravy thickens (10–15 minutes).
3. Add ¼ cup of the reserved stock (if needed) and cook down until you get a thick, clinging sauce.
Step 4: Final Touch
1. Cook for a further 3 to 5 minutes after adding yogurt, if desired.
2. Sprinkle garam masala, slit green chilies, and julienned ginger.
3. Let it simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes for the flavor to absorb and the oil to rise to the top.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
✔ Garnish with fresh coriander, more ginger slivers, and green chilies.
✔ Serve hot with naan, tandoori roti, or basmati rice.
💡Pro Tips of Mutton Karahi
✔ Use ripe, juicy tomatoes—they are the heart of the karahi masala.
✔ Don’t rush the bhunai (frying) step; it’s key to unlocking the flavor.
✔ For smoky depth, add a small piece of coal to the karahi and cover for 2 minutes.
✔ No onions means more intense tomato flavor—keep it simple and spicy.
