Chettinad Style Mutton Chukka (உப்பு கறி)

This recipe is an authentic Chettinad dish.

Serves - 2 to 3 

Ingredients

• 500 grams mutton (I use tender, male goat shoulder meat)
• 250 grams shallots (pearl onion)
• 1 tbsp pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 whole large garlic (cloves slit lengthwise)
• Curry leaves, handful
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds, whole
• 12 to 14 dry short, red chilli peppers (குண்டு மிளகாய்)
• 1 cup yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Oil

Preparation

• Clean mutton, marinate with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, pepper, turmeric, garam masala and salt for 1/2 hour.
• Heat oil in cooker, add the marinade and saute for 5 minutes.
• Add enough water to cover and pressure cook it. After pressure is released, simmer till liquid is absorbed.
• In the meanwhile, heat oil in a pan, add fennel seeds, saute and add shallots. Stir and fry till golden brown.
• Add curry leaves and garlic, dry red chilli peppers and fry well till aroma is released. Add the cooked mutton and stir fry in high heat for a while till well browned.
• Serve hot with rice and sambar or dhal.