By Ujjainee Roy
October 23, 2024
Mutton Dak Bungalow is a traditional dish with roots in the colonial era of India. It was originally prepared for British officers at Dak bungalows—rest houses that dotted the countryside, providing shelter and food to travelers and officials. The dish combines succulent pieces of mutton slow-cooked with potatoes, whole spices, and a blend of aromatic masalas, making it a hearty and flavorful curry. The rustic preparation is a nod to the simple yet rich flavors of old-world cuisine!
– 500g mutton pieces – 2 medium potatoes – 3 onions, thinly sliced – 2 tomatoes, finely chopped – 2 green chilies, slit – 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste – 1/2 cup yogurt – 1/2 tsp turmeric powder – 1 tsp red chili powder – 1 tbsp coriander powder – 1 tsp cumin powder – 1/2 tsp garam masala – 3-4 whole cloves – 2-3 green cardamom pods – 1 bay leaf – 1-inch cinnamon stick – Salt, to taste
In a bowl, combine mutton pieces with yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat mustard oil until it starts to smoke slightly. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Mix in chopped tomatoes, green chilies, coriander powder, cumin powder, and a little salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft
Add the marinated mutton pieces to the pan. Cook on medium heat until the mutton is browned and coated with the masala. Add halved potatoes and enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Sprinkle garam masala powder and mix well. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.