From one generation to the next, the skill of making this mouth-watering meal has been preserved, with each family’s own spin on the recipe. I have spent countless hours poring over recipes in my pursuit of the ultimate mutton karahi dish, and now I am excited to share with you the one that has been the most delicious by far. This authentic dish gets its delicious flavor from a careful balancing act of ingredients and methods. Although strong tastes can be amplified with the inclusion or exclusion of onions, that can be changed to suit personal taste. Indulge your taste buds and take your home cooking to the next level by joining me as I reveal the recipe for making this incredible dish.
What is Karahi?
Karahi refers to a wok-like pan that is commonly used in South Asian cuisine. Although its shape makes it ideal for stirring heavy foods, the name of this curry variety comes from the pan it is cooked in, and I’ll be sharing it with you today. Its most distinctive quality, though, is not the pan in which it is cooked. Unlike other curries, a Karahi often does not use onions when cooking and instead relies heavily on yogurt, tomato, ginger, and garlic.
Very few Karahi recipes that don’t call for onions can be found online. Traditionally, restaurants have used onions to bulk out the masala instead of tomatoes, which has made classic Karahi cheaper. However, over the years, several variations of the dish have evolved to suit these budget-conscious eateries.
Since this is not the conventional method, many individuals have added onions to their homemade Karahi dishes. Obviously, the masala’s flavor and consistency change when onions are added. If you want to experience the genuine, true flavour of masala in the traditional manner—with lots of tomatoes, ginger, and garlic—you have to prepare it this way. If you’re wondering if a curry without onions would be enough or even possible, let me reassure you. A generous helping of this masala will have your taste buds satiated.
Ingredients for masala mutton karahi.
The ingredients required for Mutton Karahi are as follows:
Meat: 2 kgs, Use mutton meat, preferably leg or shoulder pieces. Lamb can also be used for this recipe.
Yoghurt: 1 cup plain yogurt
Tomatoes: 10 large, grated tomatoes
Green Chillies: 1 tsp. crushed green chillies. If you don’t prefer spicy foods, you can just add them whole, as they add great flavour and aroma.
Spices:
2 tbsp. Kashmiri red chili powder
3 tbsp. coriander powder
1 tbsp. cumin powder
1 tbsp. crushed pepper
Oil: Karahi has more oil in to comparison to the other curries. It’s essential to stir-fry meat; you can always strain it after karahi is ready.
Garnish: . 3 to 5 green chilies (break them up and drop into the karahi with ginger strips). Karahi is incomplete without garnish; use fresh coriander and cilantro
In case you are wondering why there are no onions,. Authentic karahi doesn’t have onions. The gravy is made from tomatoes and yoghurt.
How to prepare the mutton for the marinade.
Finely cut and rinse the meat properly, and leave in a colander. Cover and leave aside for 10 to 15 minutes. In a deep dish or bowl, place the mutton pieces. Add 1 cup of yogurt, salt, and 2 tablespoons of ginger and garlic. Mix well and leave in the fridge for an hour or two; overnight is better. I left the meat to marinate overnight.
STEPS TO MAKE MUTTON KARAHI
- Heat oil in the pan and fry the meat until the liquid has evaporated well. The mutton should be 80% cooked. Add ginger and garlic and fry for few more minutes. Now add the grated tomatoes. Cook on medium heat; allow the karahi to come to a braise texture. Remember, the juices from the tomatoes must dry up well. The oil will surface.
- Add all the dry spices and crushed green chilies, and fry for a few minutes. Cover and cook on low heat.
- Garnish with chopped coriander, green chilies (break chilies in halves), and fine strips of ginger.
Does mutton karahi require a certain pot or skillet?
Any skillet, cast iron pan, or any other pan with a wider base can be used in place of a karahi (a type of metal wok) if you do not have one. A pressure cooker is another option for cooking meat in a short amount of time. Cooking time is cut in half as a result of this. 
Show serving suggestions.
To elevate your experience with Tender Mutton Karahi, here are some serving suggestions to complement its rich flavors:
- Naan or Roti: Serve piping hot naan or roti alongside the mutton karahi. The soft texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the hearty gravy.
- Steamed Rice: For a classic combination, serve steamed basmati rice. The fluffy rice serves as a great base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the mutton karahi with a crisp and refreshing salad. Opt for a mix of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions dressed with lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt.
- Raita: A side of cooling raita made with yogurt, grated cucumbers, chopped mint, and a pinch of roasted cumin adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors of the dish.
- Pickled Vegetables: Add a tangy kick to your meal with a side of pickled vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, and green chilies. Their acidity helps cut through the richness of the dish.
- Mint Chutney: Whip up a batch of mint chutney for a burst of freshness. Blend fresh mint leaves with green chilies, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to create a zesty accompaniment.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the mutton karahi before serving for a vibrant finish.
With these serving suggestions, your Tender Mutton Karahi will be transformed into a complete and memorable dining experience for you and your guests. Enjoy!
FAQS!
What cut of mutton is best for karahi?
The best cuts for mutton karahi are usually pieces with some fat and bone-in, as they add flavor and tenderness to the dish. Popular choices include shoulder and backleg.
Can I substitute mutton with another meat?
While mutton is traditional for this dish, you can substitute it with lamb or goat if mutton is not available. Beef can also be used, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How do I make the karahi gravy thick and rich?
To achieve a thick and rich gravy, cook the tomatoes until the oil starts to separate. Also, avoid adding too much water during cooking, as this can dilute the flavors and thin out the gravy.
What spices are essential for authentic mutton karahi?
The essential spices for mutton karahi include cumin powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and crushed black peppercorns. Fresh ginger, garlic, and green chilies are also commonly used to enhance the flavor.
How long does it take to cook mutton karahi?
Cooking time can vary depending on the tenderness of the meat and the desired consistency of the gravy. Generally, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook mutton karahi on medium heat until the meat is tender and the flavors are well developed. Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time.