How to Make Mutton Curry (Madan Kari) – A Detailed Guide

How to Make Mutton Curry (Madan Kari) – A Detailed Guide

Mutton curry, also known as "Madan Kari" in some regional dialects, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is enjoyed by meat lovers around the world. This dish is prepared using tender pieces of mutton (goat or lamb), slow-cooked in a blend of rich spices, herbs, and a thick gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and yogurt. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat, making it tender and juicy.

If you are looking to prepare a delicious and authentic mutton curry at home, follow this step-by-step guide.

Ingredients Required

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients:

For Marination:

500 grams of mutton (goat or lamb)

½ cup yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon mustard oil (optional)

For Cooking:

3 tablespoons mustard oil or ghee

2 large onions (finely sliced)

2 tomatoes (finely chopped or blended into a puree)

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

2-3 green chilies (slit)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2-3 bay leaves

4-5 cloves

2-3 green cardamoms

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

½ teaspoon black pepper powder

1 cup water (adjust as needed)

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1: Marinating the Mutton

Marination is an important step to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

1. In a large bowl, add the mutton pieces.

2. Add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.

3. Mix everything well, ensuring the mutton is evenly coated.

4. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 2-3 hours (preferably overnight in the refrigerator for best results).

Step 2: Preparing the Base for the Curry

1. Heat mustard oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.

2. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon stick. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.

3. Add finely sliced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial as it gives a deep flavor to the curry.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 3: Cooking the Mutton

1. Add the marinated mutton to the pan. Stir well and cook on high heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the meat to sear properly.

2. Lower the heat and add coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Add chopped or pureed tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala. This ensures the tomatoes are properly cooked.

4. Add water as required to adjust the consistency of the curry

Step 4: Slow Cooking or Pressure Cooking

Option 1: Slow Cooking

Cover the pan with a lid and let the mutton cook on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Cook until the mutton is tender and the curry reaches a thick consistency.

Option 2: Pressure Cooking

If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for about 4-5 whistles on medium heat.

Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.

Step 5: Final Touch and Garnishing

1. Once the mutton is cooked, add garam masala and give it a final stir.

2. Adjust salt if needed and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

3. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Mutton curry is best enjoyed with:

Steamed rice

Jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice)

Butter naan

Roti or chapati

Paratha

For a complete meal, serve it with a side of salad, lemon wedges, and a cooling raita (yogurt dip).

Tips for the Perfect Mutton Curry

1. Choose good quality mutton – Fresh, bone-in pieces work best as they add more flavor.

2. Marinate the meat – The longer the marination, the softer and juicier the mutton will be.

3. Use whole spices – They enhance the aroma and depth of the dish.

4. Slow cook for better taste – Cooking on low heat allows the spices to infuse well into the meat.

5. Adjust spice levels – Modify the amount of chili as per your preference.

6. Rest before serving – Letting the curry sit for 10-15 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.

Variations of Mutton Curry

1. South Indian Style Mutton Curry – Uses coconut milk and curry leaves for a different flavor.

2. Punjabi Mutton Curry – Made with ghee, butter, and a rich tomato-based gravy.

3. Kashmiri Rogan Josh – Uses Kashmiri red chilies and yogurt for a mild yet flavorful taste.

4. Bengali Mutton Kosha – A dry and thick mutton curry made with mustard oil and Bengali spices.

5. Dhaba-Style Mutton Curry – Spicier and cooked in an open flame for an authentic roadside taste.

Conclusion

Mutton curry is a timeless dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With the right balance of spices, proper marination, and slow cooking, you can achieve a rich and flavorful dish that will impress your family and guests. Whether you pair it with rice or bread, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your dining table.

Try this recipe at home and enjoy a delicious, homemade mutton curry!