Mutton is surely one of those things that you have to save only for special occasions as it instantly makes a party more enjoyable and drool some. As culinary fanatics, many people reading this article would likely have already read about different types of mutton recipes. The history of each of these recipes is pretty different from that of the others. Many mutton-based dishes in India were introduced by the Persian traders and the Mughals.
Video Credits: YouTube
However, after being introduced to India, these recipes were modified to suit the preferences of the local people. At the same time, a lot of mutton recipes were invented as a result of using whatever local spices and condiments were available to people during that time. Even though times have changed and contemporary chefs and culinary professionals keep on experimenting with different flavours, there is something about these recipes that makes them timeless. Here are some old and authentic mutton recipes from different states of India.
Image Credits: Instagram
* Champaran Mutton
Champaran mutton gets its name from the Champaran city of Bihar. It is a dish that is purely cooked in charcoal and has a very smoky and authentic flavour. Mutton is first marinated in an earthen pot with a lot of spices and herbs like red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala and sukha dhania. The pieces of mutton are cooked until they become extremely tender and then served with some fresh Indian flatbread like roti or paratha. This can also be eaten with some white rice as it has a dense gravy. The colour of this chicken is strikingly red because of the red chillies that are used to make the gravy.
* Mutton Kosha
Mutton Kosha is a delectable dish from West Bengal that is prepared on a lot of special occasions. The word kosha simply means bhuna or roasted. This dish is prepared by first marinating fresh pieces of tender mutton in curd and then slowly cooking it until the mutton flesh softens up properly. Many people also like to add a lot of boiled potatoes to the dish to make it more fulfilling. Lots of onions, garlic, and basic Indian spices like turmeric, red chilli, garam masala, and others are an integral part of making this dish.
Image Credits: Instagram
* Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is yet another famous recipe from the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. Rogan Josh is a recipe that is not just popular in India but has also made a serious reputation for itself in different countries of the world. Many people like to consider it the most flavoursome mutton recipe as it's cooked by using the very famous Kashmiri lal mirch, ginger, onions, garlic, coriander, and some other spices. People like to have this delectable dish with flatbreads and even rice.
* Mutton Rasa
Mutton rasa is a fiery and tantalising recipe from Maharashtra. This Kolhapuri-style mutton is made by using tikhat, khus, shredded coconut, some fresh, tender mutton, and some other spices. The best part is that this is quite easy and quick to make. The dish gets its name because of its gravy, which is thin and not extremely thick, unlike a lot of other mutton gravies.
Image Credits: Instagram
* Haleem
Haleem is another mainstream and highly popular mutton dish that stems from Telangana, which is considered the hub of Mughal cuisine. This is a very special dish as it's quite different and autonomous in terms of its flavour as well as its texture. The dish is prepared by mixing wheat or barley with rice, lentils, pieces of mutton, and some spices in a huge wok. Haleem is generally prepared on the occasion of some special celebrations to signify happiness.
* Chha Gosht
Chha Gosht is a mutton dish that comes from the beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh, where people still follow age-old traditions and cooking practises. In this recipe, people like to make a blend of gram flour, buttermilk, and sprinkle in a few spices that create the perfect marinade for mutton. Now, tender pieces of mutton are perfectly immersed in this marinade until they absorb everything. Then, they are cooked in a thick gravy of onions, garlic, and a few other spices.
* Mutton Boti
It is impossible to complete this list without mentioning anything from Delhi. Delhi was one of the major epicentres of different Mughal rulers, which is why the food culture of the city is so exquisite and gastronomically overwhelming, unlike any other city in the country. Mutton boti masala is a luscious mutton recipe which is made by taking small pieces of marinated mutton and cooking it on low heat for hours in a gravy made from the marinade, which is made from yoghurt, spices, and lime juice. Some other evident ingredients that are added to the dish include ginger-garlic paste, lots of onions, and red chillies.
