Kolhapuri Mutton

Kolhapuri Mutton is a spicy and flavorful dish from the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra, India. It features tender mutton pieces cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy made with Kolhapuri masala, a blend of spices including fiery red chilies. The dish is known for its intense heat and bold flavors, making it a favorite among spice lovers. It’s typically served with rice or Indian bread, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness.

Here’s a detailed recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 4 onions, finely chopped
• 4 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 2 tablespoons Kolhapuri masala powder
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 4-5 dried red chilies
• 4-5 green chilies, slit
• A small bunch of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Marinating the Mutton:

1. In a large bowl, mix the mutton pieces with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Making Kolhapuri Masala Paste:

1. Dry roast the grated coconut in a pan until it turns golden brown. Let it cool.
2. Grind the roasted coconut along with Kolhapuri masala powder and a little water to make a smooth paste. Set aside.

3. Cooking the Mutton:

1. Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Add dried red chilies and chopped onions. Sauté until onions turn golden brown.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
5. Now, add the marinated mutton pieces and mix well.
6. Cook for a few minutes until the mutton changes color.

4. Adding Kolhapuri Masala Paste:

1. Add the prepared Kolhapuri masala paste to the mutton and mix well.
2. Add slit green chilies and chopped coriander leaves.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Pressure Cooking the Mutton:

• If using a pressure cooker:
  1. Add enough water to cover the mutton pieces.
  2. Close the lid and pressure cook for about 4-5 whistles or until the mutton is tender.
• If using a heavy-bottomed pan:
  1. Add enough water to cover the mutton pieces.
  2. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat until the mutton is tender, stirring occasionally. It may take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

6. Final Touch:

1. Once the mutton is cooked, check for seasoning and adjust as needed.
2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
3. Serve hot with rice or Indian bread like naan or chapati.

Enjoy the rich and spicy flavors of Kolhapuri Mutton! Adjust the level of spice according to your preference.