Mutton usually refers to the meat from sheep in most of the world, but in India, we use it to mean meat from goats (sometimes used interchangeably with lamb in India). Mutton also has a royal touch in India, thanks to its popularity among many of India's former (and current) royal families. This meat requires some skill to cook. The aim is to make the meat sufficiently tender without overcooking it. To enhance the flavor of the mutton, spices like clove and coriander powder can be used. The mix of spices changes across regions. Mutton is best had in Indian-style cooking after it has been marinated, which is done using tenderizers like buttermilk, raw papaya, etc.
1. Galouti Kebab
The Galouti Kebab, Awadhi cuisine's most popular dish, was first created for the nawabs of Lucknow. These kebabs are tender and juicy, and they are said to contain a mixture of as many as 160 spices. "Galouti" means "soft," something that melts inside the mouth. That was a primary requirement because the nawab of Awadh lost his teeth in his old age. True to the name, these succulent kebabs consist of finely minced mutton mixed with green papaya and shallow-fried in desi ghee. There was a time when some royal chefs tried to keep the recipe a secret, but it was eventually figured out. Check out this recipe if you’re keen on making a galouti Kebab at home this holiday season.
2. Handi Laziz Lamb
a mildly spiced, creamy, and fragrant lamb curry. This recipe uses boneless lamb cubes cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy. It is heavy on spices—ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, mace, and chili add layers of incredible taste—and makes for a great dinner party option. Handi Laziz Lamb can be served with rice or naan, and you, as well as your guests, will love this curry!
3. Khatta Meat
This is a Dogra specialty from Jammu. The mutton is fried in mustard oil and seasoned with dry mango powder to give it a zesty, sour kick. Khatta (sour) is the operative word here, and you’ll find that many dishes in Dogra cuisine use lime juice and tamarind to add an extra tinge of sourness to their dishes in a way that sets them apart. This dish is given extra sourness by the addition of dry mango powder or, in some cases, pomegranate seeds. Khatta Meat is fairly easy to prepare for dinner parties, and you can use this recipe to try your hand at it.
4. Parsi Mutton Cutlets
Cutlets that are easy-to-make and can be stored in advance are a godsend. Parsi mutton cutlets are made from mutton mince and potatoes, with spices and herbs for taste. Mutton cutlets are great as appetizers during parties. Serve these with coriander chutney for a fantastic entree. This recipe can get you started the right way.
5. Rajasthani Laal Maas
The legendary, fiery Rajasthani mutton curry, "Lal Maas," is a treat for the senses. If you can handle it Lal maas is loaded with red "Mathania" chilies, fried in mustard oil, and seasoned with kahchri (a type of cucumber found in Rajasthan). The royal kitchens used to prepare this dish, usually with deer meat or wild boar, after the hunting expeditions of the Rajput kings. After hunting was made illegal, mutton was used instead of deer. Cooked for over an hour with a generous helping of spices, this dish is not for the faint-hearted. If you want to try your hand at this legendary mutton dish, have a look at this terrific recipe by chef Amit Kumar Singh.
6. Bhindiwala Meat
A creative combination of meat, okra, and subtle spices, Bhindiwala Meat adds juicy mutton chunks to the wholesome taste of bhindi and blends them in a melange of delicious spices. It is easy enough to make: mix bhindi with boneless mutton pieces, tomatoes, and your favorite masalas, and cook for an hour—et voila! Your fabulous Bhindiwala Meat is good to serve. Pair this meat with rice or naan to create a hearty meal that will have you hooked.
7. Dhabe da Keema
Minced mutton prepared dhaba-style with tomatoes, onions, and strong masalas This mutton recipe will bring the highway dhaba feel to your home with its authentic flavor. Add a bit of milk to the masala for an interesting, creamy twist. You can either serve this with tandoori roti or rice to give it an authentic taste. This is a great addition to your Sunday lunch menu.
8. Rogan Josh
What’s a list of mutton dishes without one of the most famous in the country? This signature Kashmiri curry mixes mutton with browned onions, spices, and yogurt. This curry has a striking red color thanks to the extensive use of Kashmiri red chilies. Persian culture and cuisine influenced the Mughals massively, and they, in turn, brought dishes like Rogan Josh to Kashmir. Rogan translates to ghee and josh means stew." They could also mean red and meat, respectively. Whatever the etymology, the dish itself is a fabulous treat to the senses, filled with every type of spice and a generous portion of tender mutton. You can look up this recipe when you feel like cooking this Kashmiri specialty.
9. Kosha Mangsho
A traditional Bengali mutton curry, Kosha Mangsho is spicy and rich with juicy mutton pieces and is popular as a Sunday lunch dish in many homes. Kosha implies slowly cooking a gravy for a long time until it turns brown and makes the mutton tender. This dish can be had with paratha or pulao and is pretty popular during festivals like Durga Pujo.
10. Awadhi Mutton Biryani
This is, technically, not a curry, but it is a must-try dish. Mutton Biryani made in the Awadhi style, also known as Lucknowi Biryani, is a delicious royal meal. Tender, slow-cooked mutton with a variety of spices and the stunning aroma of basmati rice—this biryani recipe is a delight that will have your guests raving.