Bengali weddings are renowned for their lavish feasts, and at the heart of it all lies the rich, aromatic Mutton Curry. This isn't your everyday curry; this is a wedding-style preparation, bursting with flavour and boasting a depth achieved through meticulous slow cooking and a blend of carefully selected spices. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth mutton infused with the warmth of ginger, garlic, and a symphony of aromatic spices, simmered to perfection in a creamy, decadent gravy. The fragrant aroma alone is enough to transport you to the vibrant celebrations of a Bengali wedding.
This recipe unlocks the secrets to recreating this authentic Bengali masterpiece in your own kitchen. Forget bland, generic curries; this recipe delivers the true essence of a Bengali wedding feast. Ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own unforgettable Wedding Style Mutton Curry.
Tools Needed
- frying pan
- lagan (wok)
- pressure cooker (optional)
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Spice Blend and Aromatics
- Dry roast one cinnamon stick, eight to nine cardamom, two teaspoons of whole peppercorns, and seven to eight cloves in a frying pan on a very slow flame for two to two and a half minutes. Let it cool and then powder it.
- Heat mustard oil in a lagan (wok). Add five cardamoms and any fat rendered from the mutton.
Step 2. Sautéing and Browning the Mutton
- Add 550 grams of thinly sliced onions and fry on high flame for 10-12 minutes until golden red.
- Add garlic and ginger paste (double the amount of garlic paste), fry on medium flame until the raw smell is gone.
- Add the mutton, increase the heat, and fry until the color changes completely (10-12 minutes).
- Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3. Simmering the Curry
- Add thinly sliced tomatoes, reduce the flame, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Add hot water (more if cooking in a pan, less if using a pressure cooker). Cover and cook on medium flame for an hour.
Step 4. Finishing and Tenderizing
- After an hour, reduce the flame to low, add beaten curd, mix well, and then add raw chili paste and the prepared spice powder.
- Check salt, and cook until the mutton is perfectly tender.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Cut onions thinly for a smoother gravy.
- Don't add tomatoes initially; it will prevent the mutton from cooking properly.
- Use hot water when adding water to boil the mutton.
- Mix the curd and chili paste well to avoid lumps.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use lamb instead of mutton?
Yes, lamb can be substituted for mutton. However, lamb tends to be leaner, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a little extra oil to prevent it from drying out.
2. How can I make this curry spicier?
Add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference. You can also adjust the amount of ginger and garlic for added pungency.
With its rich flavors and tender meat, this Wedding Style Mutton Curry is sure to become a family favorite, transporting you to the heart of a Bengali celebration with every bite. Impress your loved ones with this authentic recipe, perfect for special occasions or a weeknight treat. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary journey!