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    Spicy Mutton Masala Recipe

    Last Updated On: Apr 14, 2025 by Aarthi

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    Spicy Mutton Masala is a flavorful and spicy mutton dish where tender mutton pieces are cooked in a rich blend of Indian spices, onions, and tomatoes. This dish is popular for its bold flavors and aromatic masala, making it a favorite in many households. The slow-cooked mutton curry absorbs the deep flavors of the spices, making every bite delicious.

    This spicy mutton gravy is perfect to serve with steamed rice, chapati, or dosa. The combination of ginger-garlic paste, fennel seeds, and whole spices enhances the taste and gives the dish a restaurant-style feel. Whether for festive meals or a comforting weekend dish, this homemade mutton masala is a must-try for mutton lovers.

    Mutton Masala

    This is a dish which i tried for this Diwali lunch. We invited my newly wed brother and her wife for lunch that day and cooked few dishes like chicken fry, garlic tomato chicken roast, chettinaad mutton curry, and this one. They all turned out great.

    Jump to:
    • About Mutton Masala
    • Mutton Masala Ingredients
    • Hacks
    • How to Make Mutton Masala (Stepwise Pictures)
    • Expert Tips
    • Variation & Recipes
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    Now about this mutton masala, it is quite a simple dish, you can make it start to finish in pressure cooker, but I made it in a separate frying pan so you can look what is happening more clearly.

    About Mutton Masala

    Spicy Mutton Masala is a popular and flavorful mutton dish that is often made for special occasions and festive meals. Its rich mutton gravy and bold spices make it a favorite among those who enjoy authentic Indian mutton recipes. This dish is known for its deep flavors, making it a great choice when you want something special and satisfying.

    I made this dish for Diwali lunch when we invited my brother and his wife for a special meal. Along with this, I prepared chicken fry, garlic tomato chicken roast, and Chettinad mutton curry, and everything turned out delicious.

    Though the dish is easy to prepare, it has a rich and festive feel, making it perfect for special occasions or weekend feasts. If you love spicy mutton curry, this is a must-try. Let me know how it turns out when you make it.

    Similar Recipes

    Mutton Curry

    Mutton Sukka

    Mughlai Mutton Curry

    Why This Recipe Works?

    1. Full of Authentic Flavors: This dish captures the true essence of Indian mutton recipes, making it a favorite for those who love traditional flavors.

    2. Versatile Dish: It pairs well with different meals, whether you want to serve it with simple sides or as part of a festive spread.

    Why This Dish is My Favourite  -  I can adjust the spice levels, making it as mild or fiery as I want, without losing its authentic taste. No matter how many times I make it, the flavors are always perfect, making it a favorite in my kitchen. Whenever I make it, everyone loves it, making it one of my go-to recipes for guests and family dinners.

    3. Rich and Satisfying: The thick gravy and bold seasoning make this dish hearty and fulfilling, perfect for a comforting meal.

    4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a regular family dinner or a special gathering, this dish always stands out and impresses guests.

    Mutton Masala Ingredients

    Mutton/Lamb: The key ingredient is mutton. It gives the rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.

    Oil: It is used to saute the spices and enhance the overall taste. You can use coconut oil for added flavour.

    Fennel Seeds: Which adds a mild sweet taste to the dish that balances the heat from other spices.

    Onion: It is the base of masala, giving the dish a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

    Curry Leaves: It infuses a fresh, earthy fragrance that complements the bold spices.

    Ginger Garlic Paste: It enhances the taste with its strong, pungent kick and helps in balancing the flavors.

    Green Chilli: Which brings a layer of heat and spice, making the dish more flavorful.

    Tomatoes: It adds a slight tanginess and helps in forming a rich, thick gravy for the dish.

    Yogurt/Curd - tenderizes the mutton, making it soft and juicy while adding a mild tangy taste. 

    Spice powders - Chilli Powder brings a spicy kick and a vibrant color to the dish. Coriander powder helps enhances the depth of flavor and adds an earthy touch. Cumin powder gives a warm, nutty aroma that complements the other spices.Turmeric adds a bright yellow color to the dish. Pepper and garam masala adds so much flavour.

    Hacks

    Using an iron pan instead of a non-stick one gives the masala a more authentic, earthy flavor.

    Use bone-in mutton for more flavor. Bones add natural richness to the dish, making the gravy more flavorful.

    Cook the masala well before adding the mutton to ensure a balanced and well-blended taste.

    Leftover mutton masala tastes even better the next day as the spices develop deeper flavors over time.

    How to Make Mutton Masala (Stepwise Pictures)

    Take all your ingredients
    Take mutton pieces
    Add in yogurt
    Now add in the spices
    Salt
    Mix well and Marinate it
    Heat oil
    Add in fennel seeds
    Add in onions, chilli and curry leaves
    Saute for a while
    Add in ginger garlic paste
    mix well
    Add in tomatoes
    mix well
    cover and cook
    cook till it turn mushy
    add marinated mutton
    Mix well
    Now add this whole thing into a pressure cooker
    Cover and cook
    Till everything is cooked
    Serve

    Expert Tips

    1. Use room temperature meat. Take the mutton out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.

    2. If using homemade spice powders, dry-roasting them first enhances their aroma and taste.

    3. A tiny bit of sugar can enhance the dish by balancing the spices and acidity from tomatoes.

    4. Cooking in a clay pot or iron pan adds a rustic taste and enhances the richness of the dish.

    5. After sauteing, add a little water or stock to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

    6. Cooking the mutton for too long can make the meat dry. Keep an eye on the timing for the perfect texture.

    7. A final touch of fresh coriander leaves or a spoon of lemon juice enhances the flavors and makes the dish more appetizing.

    Variation & Recipes

    Onion Mutton Masala Recipe: It is a rich and flavorful dish where caramelized onions form the base of the masala, giving it a deep, slightly sweet, and spicy taste. The slow-cooked mutton absorbs the bold flavors of the spices, making it a delicious side dish for rice or roti.

    Chettinad Mutton Recipe: It is a fiery South Indian dish known for its bold use of freshly ground spices like fennel, cinnamon, and star anise. The unique spice blend gives it an intense aroma and deep, complex flavors, making it a must-try for spice lovers.

    Spicy Mutton Curry Recipe: It is a dish packed with aromatic spices and a rich, thick gravy. The combination of chilli powder, garam masala, coconut paste and slow-cooked mutton creates a mouthwatering dish that pairs well with rice or naan.

    Pepper Mutton Curry: Pepper Mutton Curry is a spicy and aromatic dish where black pepper is the star ingredient, adding a deep, smoky heat. This dish is perfect for cold days as it is known for its warming and comforting properties.

    Mutton Roast Recipe: This is a dry and flavorful dish where mutton is slow-cooked with spices until it becomes tender and coated in a thick masala. The crispy edges and deep flavors make it a perfect appetizer or side dish.

    FAQ

    1. How long should I marinate mutton for the best flavor?

    Marinate for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight marination gives the best results as the spices penetrate the meat deeply.

    2. How do I make mutton tender and juicy?

    Use yogurt in the marinate, pressure cook for the right amount of time, and let the meat rest before serving for a softer texture.

    3. Can I cook mutton without a pressure cooker?

    Yes, you can slow-cook it in a pan, but it will take longer time usually around 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat.

    4. How can I reduce the strong smell of mutton?

    Wash it thoroughly with water, soak it in turmeric water for 15 minutes, and use aromatic spices like fennel and cinnamon.

    5. Can I make mutton dishes less spicy?

    Yes, reduce chilli powder and black pepper while keeping aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala for flavor balance.

    6. What’s the difference between mutton curry and mutton masala?

    Mutton curry has a more liquid-based gravy, while mutton masala is thicker and spicier with a richer consistency.

    7. Can I cook mutton dishes in advance?

    Yes, mutton dishes taste even better the next day as the flavors develop over time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

    8. How do I prevent mutton from becoming chewy?

    Avoid overcooking at high heat and always cook on medium to low heat to retain its tenderness.

    More Mutton Recipes to Try

    • Mutton Thoran Recipe
    • Pressure Cooker Mutton Biryani Recipe
    • Mutton Rasam Recipe
    • Mutton Pulao in Pressure Cooker Recipe
    • Mutton Roast Recipe
    • Chettinad Mutton Recipe

    📖 Recipe Card

    Mutton Masala Recipe (Lamb Masala)

    Spicy Mutton Masala is a flavorful and spicy mutton dish where tender mutton pieces are cooked in a rich blend of Indian spices, onions, and tomatoes. This dish is popular for its bold flavors and aromatic masala, making it a favorite in many households. The slow-cooked mutton curry absorbs the deep flavors of the spices, making every bite delicious.
    This spicy mutton gravy is perfect to serve with steamed rice, chapati, or dosa. The combination of ginger-garlic paste, fennel seeds, and whole spices enhances the taste and gives the dish a restaurant-style feel. Whether for festive meals or a comforting weekend dish, this homemade mutton masala is a must-try for mutton lovers.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    marination time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours hours
    Servings: 3 servings
    Calories: 687kcal

    Equipment

    • Pressure cooker

    Ingredients

    • 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
    • 2 tsp Fennel Seeds
    • 1 large Onion peeled & sliced finely
    • 1 sprig Curry leaves
    • 2 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
    • 2 no Green Chillies slit
    • 2 large Tomatoes chopped finely
    • ½ cup Water if needed
    • 4 tbsp Coriander leaves chopped finely

    For Marination

    • ½ kg Mutton | Lamb cut into small pieces
    • ½ cup Plain Yogurt | Curd
    • 2 tsp Chilli powder
    • 1 tbsp Coriander powder
    • 1 tsp Cumin powder
    • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
    • 1 tbsp Garam Masala Powder
    • 1 tsp Black Pepper Powder
    • 1½ tsp Salt or to taste

    Instructions

    • Take cleaned mutton pieces in a bowl. Add in all the marination ingredients in it and mix well. Let this marinate for a good 30 mins. You can leave it in fridge overnight too. If so take it out a hour before you cook so it comes to room temp.
    • Heat oil in a kadai. You can do this whole thing in pressure cooker. I used a kadai so you can see what is happening in it.
    • Add in fennel seeds and let it sizzle. followed by onions, chilli and curry leaves. Saute this for 5 mins or so. Now add in ginger garlic paste and saute for a min. Add in tomatoes. Cover and cook till it turns mushy.
    • Now add in the marinated mutton along with all the marination.Mix well. Pour this whole thing in a pressure cooker, add ½ cup water if needed and cook for 6 to 7 whistle. Simmer and cook for a 20 mins.
    • Now switch off the flame and let the steam all escape. Open the pressure cooker and mix well. Serve with rice.

    Notes

    1. Use room temperature meat. Take the mutton out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
    2. If using homemade spice powders, dry-roasting them first enhances their aroma and taste.
    3. A tiny bit of sugar can enhance the dish by balancing the spices and acidity from tomatoes.
    4. Cooking in a clay pot or iron pan adds a rustic taste and enhances the richness of the dish.
    5. After sauteing, add a little water or stock to lift the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
    6. Cooking the mutton for too long can make the meat dry. Keep an eye on the timing for the perfect texture.
    7. A final touch of fresh coriander leaves or a spoon of lemon juice enhances the flavors and makes the dish more appetizing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servings | Calories: 687kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1322mg | Potassium: 904mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1523IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yummytummyaarthi or tag #yummytummyaarthi!
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    If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave me a comment or mail me @[email protected] and I’ll help as soon as I can.

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    IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE OR ANYTHING FROM YUMMY TUMMY, MAKE SURE TO POST IT AND TAG ME SO I CAN SEE ALL OF YOUR CREATIONS!! #YUMMYTUMMYAARTHI AND @YUMMYTUMMYAARTHI ON INSTAGRAM!

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    340
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    « Pudalangai Kootu Recipe
    Mutton Pulao in Pressure Cooker Recipe »
    Aarthi

    About Aarthi

    Over the past few years I’ve been on a mission to find and create recipes that I can make from scratch. I hope you enjoy the recipes on this blog as they are tried and true from my kitchen to yours!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dipti Joshi

      at

      Drooling! Tasty recipe to make mutton curry 🙂

      Reply
    2. Pretend Chef

      at

      Yummy!!!

      Reply
    3. Hasna Hamza Layin

      at

      ur step by step pictures always make me drool

      Reply
    4. Sathya...

      at

      Definitely going to try, Yummmmmyyyyyyy...

      Reply
    5. morri

      at

      I made this and it was great! I love mutton dishes.

      Reply
    6. Saravana Bharathi

      at

      Yummmmmmmy

      Reply
    7. Anonymous

      at

      Tried this recipie today...came out well..thanks...

      Reply
    8. Anonymous

      at

      Can I replace chopped onions with sliced

      Reply
    9. Anonymous

      at

      Can I replace chopped onions with sliced

      Reply
    10. Aarthi

      at

      @Anonymousyes u can

      Reply
    11. Ken Tran

      at

      I found your recipe while doing a search for mutton masala. I didn't know what mutton masala was. I thought that it was a dry powder or herb or some kind of liquid. So it is actually an entire dish. I'm new to Indian cooking. I was previously reading someone else's recipe for lamb curry. One of their ingredients was 2 Tbsp mutton masala. Does this mean they want me to cook an entire mutton masala dish on the side just for the juices and use it in their lamb curry? Or is this 2 Tbsp mutton masala some kind of powder or herb? Thanks for any help you can offer. Here is their recipe, if you need to take a look: http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/644385#comments

      Reply
    12. Aarthi

      at

      @Ken Tran

      Mutton masala is a kind of garam masala powder where many spices are ground together. It can be easily found in indian super markets. Look in the powdered spices section

      Reply
    13. Aishwarya Nathan

      at

      hi , i tried this recipe it has come out very well, but is a litgtle sour coz of the curd i think is there ny way to reduce its sourness and retain the spiciness ?

      Reply
    14. Aarthi

      at

      @Aishwarya Nathanadd a little sugar. it helps in reducing the sourlevel

      Reply
    15. Anonymous

      at

      Hi Aarthi,
      Can i add potatoes into this curry..I'm from Malaysia and i use eat chicken curry or mutton by adding potatoes

      Reply
    16. Aarthi

      at

      @Anonymousyes u can add potatoes

      Reply
    17. devi

      at

      mam.. i am not sure about how much time i want to cook that mutton dish in pressure cooker..? can u plz tell me how much viseel the mutton required to cook in pressure cooker from your experience in cooking with pressure cooker

      Reply
    18. Aarthi

      at

      @devimutton will take long to cook.. cook for 6 to 7 whistle. Simmer and cook for a 20 mins. Now switch off the flame and let the steam all escape. Open the pressure cooker and mix well.

      Reply
    19. Makan Kaki

      at

      So glad that I could find this recipe...can I know that what are the type of chilli powder that you used in this dish? Is it the ordinary red chilli powder using for meat?

      Reply
    20. Aarthi

      at

      @Makan Kakii used kashmiri chilli powder

      Reply
    21. Anonymous

      at

      Hi Aarthi,
      Can I use small onions for this recipe? Will it turn sweet if I do so?

      Reply
    22. Aarthi

      at

      @AnonymousNo u can use small onions, it adds nice flavour and taste

      Reply
    23. Anonymous

      at

      Thanks Aarthi for such a delicious Recipe. Its nice and so tasty

      Reply
    24. Javed

      at

      Thanks Aarthi for this Delicious Mutton Masala Recipe I am Inspired by your Recipe..Thanks

      Reply
    25. Christine

      at

      I just made this exactly with your instructions and pictures. I served it with saffron rice and kachumber salad. Thanks so much for a delicious meal. I will definitely make this again. I now love my pressure cooker again.

      Reply
    26. Leena

      at

      I tried it few weeks back it was finger licking good. Yum!!! Gonna try again this week..thanks for the delicious recipe

      Reply
    27. Cooking Master

      at

      Click here to watch our best mutton kadai recipe its easy and delicious

      Reply
    28. Anonymous

      at

      hi Aarthi im ur fan. I like to ask u one question why u always add chillies and curryleaves with its stem does it add any special flavours?

      Reply
    29. Anonymous

      at

      Love this recipe. Your directions are excellent. Thanks for sharing and bringing this delicious meal into our house. Christine

      Reply
    30. Anonymous

      at

      Hi tried pepper fry it came out very well, my kid liked it,in this mutton Masala instead of curd can I use lime juice

      Reply
      • Aarthi

        at

        Yogurt is important in this

        Reply
    31. Anonymous

      at

      Hi Aarthi, one quick question: you say "Mutton / Lamb - 1/2 kg cut into small pieces". Should I read that as "HALF" kg, or "ONE OR TWO" kg? I have two kg lamb and I'm trying to figure out how much to adjust the spice quantities. Thanks a ton for your lovely blog!

      Reply
    32. Anonymous

      at

      Hi aarthi to get more gravy can I add coconut

      Reply
      • Aarthi

        at

        yes u can

        Reply
    33. Kavitha

      at

      Tried this dish it was yummy .thanks for Ur recipe

      Reply
    34. Rohini krishnan

      at

      Half cup means how much. I don't think 250 ml is enough for 6 whistles.

      Reply
      • Aarthi

        at

        Water will come out of mutton as well. this is a thick dish so you dont need much water

        Reply
    35. Rohini krishnan

      at

      Quantity of water u added?

      Reply
    36. Hannan

      at

      Cooked this recipe yesterday for my in-laws and they loved it! Was hoping to keep some for our dinner but was all wiped out at lunch time! 🙂 I tried the recipe without the fennel seeds (i ran out and didnt have time to buy more), marinated overnight, added potatoes and garnished with fried shallots, mint leaves and coriander leaves. Served them with ghee rice and pineapple salad. It was a hit! Thank you so much Aarthi for this easy and delicious recipe.

      Reply
    37. Barbara Pepper

      at

      The UK is in lockdown at the moment, so my husband and I can't go to our favourite Indian restaurant. Instead I make curries at home, and this one was fabulous! Thank you , Aarthi.

      Reply
    38. NP

      at

      Hi Aarthi,

      Tried this and it turned out so yummy! thanks for this amazing recipe. If I have to make this in instant pot what would you suggest to be the pressure cook time? 25-30 mins?

      Thanks!

      Reply
    39. Praba

      at

      It was really helpful and informative. Honestly, I was able to cook without much complexity. Thanks for this wonderful recipe.

      Reply
    40. Software Development Company

      at

      5 stars

      the detailed instructions and tips, like using a pan for better visibility, are super helpful. Excited to try this festive recipe soon—thanks for sharing

      Reply
    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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