Skip to content
Forkin
Main CourseDinner

Mutton Korma

This rich and aromatic Mutton Korma features tender pieces of mutton slow-cooked in a creamy, spice-infused yogurt sauce. It's a comforting main course, perfect for a special occasion or a hearty family dinner. Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 55 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mutton Korma

Mise en place

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 700 gmutton, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
  • 4 tbspghee
  • 2 pcsyellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbspginger garlic paste
  • 1 cupplain yogurt, whisked
  • 1 pcscinnamon stick
  • 4 pcsgreen cardamom pod, lightly crushed
  • 4 pcsclove
  • 2 pcsbay leaf
  • 1.5 tspred chili powder
  • 2 tspcoriander powder
  • 1 tspcumin powder
  • 0.5 tspturmeric powder
  • 1 tspgaram masala
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 2 cupwater
  • 0.5 tspkewra water(optional)

garnish

  • 2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped

Equipment

slotted spoon · large pot · whisk

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

    About 2 min

  2. 2

    Add the sliced yellow onion and fry until deeply golden brown and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

    About 12 min

    Cook’s note: Stir frequently to ensure even browning and prevent burning. This step is crucial for the korma's flavor and color.

  3. 3

    Remove about half of the fried onion with a slotted spoon and set aside for later use as a crispy garnish.

    About 1 min

  4. 4

    Add the mutton pieces to the pot with the remaining onion and increase heat to high. Sear the mutton until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

    About 7 min

    Cook’s note: Browning the mutton adds depth of flavor.

  5. 5

    Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.

    About 2 min

  6. 6

    Reduce heat to medium. Add the cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves to the pot.

  7. 7

    Add the red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the mutton evenly with the spices.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: If the spices start to stick, add a tablespoon of water to prevent burning.

  8. 8

    Gradually whisk in the plain yogurt, a little at a time, stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling.

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature before adding to prevent curdling.

  9. 9

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the water. Stir well.

    About 2 min

  10. 10

    Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the mutton is fork-tender.

    About 1 hr 15 min

    Cook’s note: Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more water.

  11. 11

    Once the mutton is tender, stir in the garam masala and kewra water (if using). Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.

    About 5 min

  12. 12

    Garnish with the reserved crispy fried onions and fresh cilantro before serving.

    About 1 min

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Mutton Korma in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust consistency, or in the microwave until heated through.