Kerala-Style Mutton Stew Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Serves: 4
Mutton Stew is a beloved classic in Kerala cuisine, celebrated for its rich, creamy texture and delicate blend of spices. Slow-cooked to tender perfection in fragrant coconut milk, this stew combines hearty chunks of mutton with wholesome vegetables like carrots and potatoes, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. Traditionally enjoyed with soft, fluffy appams or idiyappam, Kerala Mutton Stew is perfect for festive occasions or cozy family meals, offering a perfect balance of mild spices and creamy goodness that warms the soul.
📝 Ingredients
For cooking mutton:
- Mutton (bone-in) – 500g, cleaned
- Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
- Pepper powder – ½ tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 1 cup
For the stew:
- Coconut oil – 2 tbsp
- Cinnamon – 1 small stick
- Cloves – 3 to 4
- Cardamom – 3 pods
- Bay leaf – 1
- Onion – 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Ginger – 1 tbsp, julienned
- Garlic – 1 tbsp, chopped
- Green chilies – 2, slit
- Carrot – 1, sliced
- Potato – 1 medium, cubed
- Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
- Thin coconut milk – 1 cup (second extract)
- Thick coconut milk – ¾ cup (first extract)
- Crushed pepper – ½ tsp (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt – to taste
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Mutton:
In a pressure cooker, add mutton pieces with turmeric, pepper, salt, and 1 cup water. Pressure cook for 3–4 whistles or until tender. Set aside along with the stock.
2. Sauté Whole Spices:
Heat coconut oil in a deep pan. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Cook the Base:
Add sliced onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté on medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent (not browned).
4. Add Vegetables:
Add carrot and potato pieces. Mix well and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add Mutton & Simmer:
Now add the cooked mutton along with its stock. Pour in the thin coconut milk. Add curry leaves and salt if needed. Cover and simmer on low heat until the vegetables are tender.
6. Finish with Thick Coconut Milk:
Once the veggies are cooked, lower the heat and add thick coconut milk. Stir gently and heat through without boiling (to avoid curdling). Add crushed pepper if desired.
7. Final Touch:
Drizzle a little coconut oil and a few fresh curry leaves on top for that authentic Kerala aroma.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion:
Best served hot with appam, idiyappam, ghee rice, or soft bread
Conclusion
Rich, comforting, and delicately spiced, Kerala Mutton Stew is a timeless dish that brings together the heart of Kerala cuisine—perfect for a soulful meal with appam or idiyappam.
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