Mutton Ishtu, also known as Mutton Stew, is a flavorful and aromatic South Indian dish made with tender mutton (goat meat) cooked in a fragrant coconut milk-based gravy along with spices and vegetables. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Mutton Ishtu:
Ingredients:
For Marinating Mutton:
- 500g mutton pieces
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Stew:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 cloves
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beans), diced
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
- 1 cup thin coconut milk (or water)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Mutton:
- In a bowl, combine the mutton pieces with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cooking the Stew:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or pressure cooker. Add cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
- Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add slit green chilies, chopped ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the marinated mutton pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
- Adding Vegetables and Tomatoes:
- Add the diced vegetables and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Adding Coconut Milk:
- Pour in the thin coconut milk (or water) to cover the mutton and vegetables. Bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the mutton is tender and cooked through. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 4-5 whistles or according to the cooker’s instructions.
- Final Steps:
- Once the mutton is cooked, add the thick coconut milk and garam masala. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer for a few more minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, appam, idiyappam, or crusty bread.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of green chilies or red chili powder.
- Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beans work well, but you can add other vegetables as per your preference.
- Ensure the mutton is tender by cooking it thoroughly; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Enjoy your flavorful Mutton Ishtu, a comforting and aromatic dish from South India!
