Pepper Mutton Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Pepper Mutton Gravy is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender mutton with a rich blend of spices and a hint of black pepper. Perfect for a hearty meal, this South Indian-style gravy offers a perfect balance of heat and depth. It’s sure to become a favorite for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds
- 1 piece Cinnamon
- 4 Cardamom pods
- 2 Cloves
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 3 large Onions (peeled & sliced thinly)
- 3 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 large Tomatoes (chopped finely)
- 1½ tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 500 grams Mutton
- ¼ cup Coriander leaves (chopped finely)
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1½ tbsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the spice mix by roasting fennel seeds and black pepper in a small pan until golden. Grind slightly in a blender and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat coconut oil in a pressure cooker. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, fennel seeds, and curry leaves, sauté for one minute to release their aroma. Add onions and cook until they turn light golden.
- Step 3: Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook well. Add tomatoes and cook until mushy. Take half of this mixture and blend it into a smooth puree, then return it to the cooker.
- Step 4: Add salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 5: Add the mutton pieces and sauté with the masala for 5 to 6 minutes. Pour in 1 cup of water, mix well, cover, and pressure cook for 5 to 6 whistles. Simmer for 5 minutes after pressure is released, then turn off heat and let steam escape naturally.
- Step 6: Open the cooker and check if the mutton is tender. Add the ground pepper and fennel powder, mix well. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, marinate the mutton with ginger garlic paste and turmeric for an hour before cooking.
- Adjust black pepper quantity for desired heat intensity; reduce if sensitive to spice.
- Using fresh coriander leaves enhances freshness and aroma just before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice, chapati, or parathas for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover pepper mutton gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the gravy. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor preservation.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use goat meat instead of mutton?
Yes, goat meat works well as a substitute. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is tender before adding the pepper and finishing spices.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a moderate heat level, mostly from black pepper and chilli powder. You can adjust the amount of black pepper and chilli powder to suit your spice preference.
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Pepper Mutton Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pepper Mutton Gravy is a flavorful and aromatic South Indian-inspired dish featuring tender mutton cooked in a rich blend of roasted spices, fresh herbs, and masala. The dish highlights the warm pungency of black pepper and fennel, slow-cooked with fragrant whole spices and a silky tomato-onion puree, resulting in a robust gravy perfect for pairing with rice or Indian breads.
Ingredients
Spices and Tempering
- 4 tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds (for tempering)
- 1 piece Cinnamon
- 4 no Cardamom
- 2 no Cloves
- 1 sprig Curry Leaves
- 2 tsp Fennel Seeds (for powder)
- 1½ tbsp Black Pepper
Main Ingredients
- 3 large Onions (peeled & sliced thinly)
- 3 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 large Tomatoes (chopped finely)
- 1½ tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 500 grams Mutton
- ¼ cup Coriander leaves (chopped finely)
Instructions
- Spice Mix: In a small pan, roast 1 tsp fennel seeds and 1½ tbsp black pepper until golden and aromatic. Transfer to a blender and pulse to a slightly coarse powder. Set this spice mix aside for later use.
- Prepare Masala Base: Heat 4 tbsp coconut oil in a pressure cooker. Add tempering spices – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, curry leaves, and 1 tsp fennel seeds. Sauté for about a minute to release their fragrances into the oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn light golden brown.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Mix in 3 tbsp ginger garlic paste and stir well. Then add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until the mixture becomes mushy and the oil starts to separate.
- Grinding Masala: Take half of the sautéed tomato-onion mixture and blend it finely into a smooth puree. Return this puree to the cooker.
- Add Dry Spices: Stir in 2 tsp salt (to taste), 1 tsp red chili powder, 1½ tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 2 tsp garam masala powder. Mix everything well to combine all flavors.
- Cook Mutton: Add the 500 grams of mutton pieces to the masala and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes so the meat is well coated with spices and begins to brown slightly.
- Pressure Cook: Pour in 1 cup of water and stir. Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and cook on medium-high heat for 5 to 6 whistles. After that, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Final Touches: Open the cooker and check if the mutton is tender. Add the roasted and ground pepper-fennel powder blend along with the chopped coriander leaves. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Pepper Mutton Gravy hot, ideally with steamed rice or Indian breads like roti or naan.
Notes
- Roasting the fennel and pepper before grinding intensifies their flavor and adds depth to the gravy.
- Pressure cooking tenderizes the mutton quickly while keeping it flavorful and juicy.
- Adjust the black pepper quantity to suit your heat preference.
- You can substitute coconut oil with mustard oil or vegetable oil if desired.
- This dish pairs excellently with plain rice or Indian breads like chapati, paratha, or naan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: South Indian
Keywords: Pepper Mutton Gravy, Indian Mutton Curry, Spicy Mutton, South Indian Mutton Recipe, Black Pepper Mutton
