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For those devoted to mutton, nothing else will suffice. You may be among these aficionados, as the succulent meat's many delicious preparations make it a go-to choice for connoisseurs. From Rogan Josh and Korma to Laal Maas and Chettinad mutton, nothing can compare to the juicy chops of this meat.
However, preparing mutton to perfection is a challenging task. Many people even confuse it with lamb, which is the meat that comes from younger goats. A single error in the tenderization or cooking process can result in tough, dry meat that's far from satisfying. Nevertheless, it is possible to get soft, tender, and juicy mutton. How? Here are some tips and techniques for making mutton that is both soft and succulent in your own home.
Purchase The Right Meat
Choosing the right type of meat can ensure that the meat is as tender and juicy as desired. It is advisable to avoid using frozen meat and instead opt for freshly cut meat, which is typically soft and has a light pink hue. Discoloration (such as grey-coloured meat) may indicate that the meat is old. By looking at its texture, you can determine whether the meat being sold at the butcher shop is outdated. If the meat looks loose and breaks easily, you might want to reconsider as it may not be fresh.
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How you chop the raw meat before cooking has a significant impact on the final product. The goal is to cut across the muscles rather than from the centre in order to break the muscle fibre and prevent it from becoming chewy. As a result, the meat will cook more quickly and become soft.
Marinate Your Meat
This is actually one of the most crucial phases in cooking any type of meat, not just mutton. Marinating the meat is essential to making the mutton soft and imparting flavour to it. As a general rule, the marinade should contain at least one acidic element. The collagen in the meat is broken down by acid, which gives the meat more moisture. At least two hours should be spent marinating, while overnight marinating is preferable.
Slow-Cook The Meat
There is a good reason why slow cooking is so popular. Slow cooking allows the flavours to meld with the dish. This helps the meat become more tender. Try to cook the meat for around three hours over moderate heat for the best results.
Salt the Mutton Before Cooking
If you don't have time to make the marinade, the meat can simply be salted and left for a few hours before cooking. Salt breaks down muscle fibre just as well, if not better. However, keep in mind to rinse off the extra salt before cooking.
