Mutton stew
Kerala-style mutton stew, also known as Kerala Mutton Ishtu, is a delicious and aromatic dish originating from the southern Indian state of Kerala. This dish is characterized by its use of coconut milk, spices, and tender mutton pieces, creating a rich and creamy flavour that’s perfect for enjoying with rice, appam, or paratha. This stew is a favourite for special occasions and family meals. Its mild spices and creamy coconut milk make it a dish everyone loves. It`s a dish that brings people together. It is served during Christmas, Easter, and family celebrations. Its mild flavours appeal to both adults and children. The dish is perfect for those who love comforting meals with a hint of spice.
The stew also reflects Kerala’s culinary heritage. It showcases the use of fresh, natural ingredients and the balance of flavours.
What Makes Kerala Mutton Stew Special?
Kerala mutton stew stands out because of its simple yet aromatic flavours. The dish uses tender mutton pieces cooked with coconut milk and spices. Unlike heavily spiced curries, this stew has a milder taste. Whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves give it a warm and inviting aroma. Coconut milk adds creaminess and perfectly balances the spices.
This dish is also versatile. You can enjoy it with appam, idiyappam, or steamed rice. The combination of the soft, fluffy appam and the rich stew is heavenly.
How Is It Prepared?
Start by marinating the mutton with salt and spices. This step makes the meat tender and flavourful. Next, sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and whole spices in coconut oil. Add the mutton and let it brown slightly. Then, add potatoes, carrots, and a mix of thin and thick coconut milk.
The stew is simmered on low heat until the mutton is cooked and tender. The final touch is a handful of fresh curry leaves and a drizzle of coconut oil. This enhances the aroma and makes the dish irresistible.
Serving
Serve Kerala mutton stew hot for the best experience. Ladle the thick, creamy stew into bowls and pair it with appam or idiyappam. The soft pancakes soak up the delicious stew, creating a delightful bite every time. Whether you are making it for a festive occasion or a simple family dinner, this dish never fails to impress. Try Kerala-style mutton stew and experience the comforting taste of tradition in every spoonful.
Don’t forget to explore my other delicious non-vegetarian recipes for more flavourful dishes!
Mutton stew
Ingredients
- 500 gms mutton bone-in pieces
- 3 tbsp oil preferably coconut oil
- 2 onions sliced
- 2 green chillies
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1- inch size ginger julienne sliced
- 1 carrot peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 small potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tsp pepper powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1 cup of thin coconut milk
- ½ – ¾ cup thick coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- A few curry leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the mutton pieces, salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 onion sliced, 1 slit green chilli, a few curry leaves and 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and cook them and keep it aside.
- If using fresh coconut milk, extract the milk from grated coconut by blending with warm water and straining it to get thick and thin milk separately.
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
- In another pot, heat oil, add 1 slit green chilly, ginger, curry leaves and onions and sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add the carrot and potatoes and water. Cover and cook until the vegetables are well cooked. Mash few potato pieces using the back of the spoon.
- Add the cooked mutton along with water, 1 tsp pepper and garam masala and combine well. Wait till the water evaporates.
- Add thin coconut milk and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the thick coconut milk and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. Do not boil the stew after adding the thick coconut milk. Boiling can cause the coconut milk to curdle or separate, which can alter the texture and appearance of the dish.
- Add curry leaves and 1 tablespoon coconut oil for aroma.
- Serve hot with rice, appam, idiyappam, or paratha.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Mutton stew is a South Indian dish made with tender pieces of mutton (goat or lamb), vegetables, and flavourful spices. It is prepared with coconut milk in South Indian recipes, giving it a creamy and rich texture.
Yes, using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time while retaining the flavours. Cook mutton for 3–4 whistles or until tender, depending on the quality of the meat.
To thicken the stew:
Simmer the stew longer to reduce liquid.
Mash a few of the cooked vegetables, such as potatoes.
Use a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and stir it into the stew.
Yes, You can use lamb as a substitute. Keep in mind that lamb cooks faster and has a milder flavour compared to mutton.
Common vegetables include: Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Beans, Peas
South Indian mutton stew may include green chillies and whole spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
Yes, You can freeze mutton stew for up to a month. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to restore its consistency.
Mutton stew pairs well with Steamed rice, Appam, Idiyappam, Bread or dinner rolls.
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