Raarha Meat is one comforting mutton curry that’ll instantly transport you to the vibrant streets of Punjab. This authentic recipe features tender mutton pieces marinated in a zingy yoghurt mixture, then cooked to perfection in a rich gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and robust spices. It’s a labour of love that rewards you with every bite.
About the Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold, rustic curries brimming with incredible depth of flavour, then Raarha Meat must be on your must-try list. This iconic Punjabi mutton dish has been lovingly passed down through generations, each cook adding their special touch. The secret lies in the beautifully balanced spice blend and the magical alchemy when mutton meets yogurt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this delectable Raarha Meat. For starters, the tender, melt-in-your-mouth mutton chunks are an absolute treat. Then there’s the rich, creamy gravy that coats every bite with layers of sweet, sour, savory perfection. The aroma alone will have you salivating before you even take that first heavenly bite. Plus, it’s a wonderfully hearty dish that leaves you feeling satisfied and comforted.
Raarha Meat
Cooking Tips
To get that authentic taste, be sure to use fresh, high-quality whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf. These fragrant aromatics are key. Also, don’t rush the onion-tomato masala base – let those flavors really develop and meld together before adding the mutton. And finally, a dollop of thick, tangy yogurt stirred in at the end adds that signature creamy finish.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This sumptuous Raarha Meat is best served piping hot alongside fresh rotis or naan to soak up every last drop of that heavenly gravy. For leftovers, let the curry cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed. Total preparation time is around 3 hours, including marinating. Each serving is a generously hearty portion.
Similar Recipes
- Punjabi Butter Chicken
- Daal Makhani
- Amritsari Chole
- Lamb Rogan Josh
- Malai Kofta
Nutrient Benefits
Beyond its incredible flavors, Raarha Meat also packs a nutritional punch thanks to lean mutton that’s an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins. The yogurt provides a dose of bone-building calcium and gut-friendly probiotics. Overall, it’s a satiating, well-rounded meal when paired with whole grain flatbreads.
Raarha Meat
Ingredients
- 250 gms Mutton (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3/4 cup Curd (smooth)
- 4 tbsp Ghee
- 1 inch Cinnamon (stick)
- 2 Black Cardamoms
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 cup Onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 cup Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 3/4 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 3/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- Salt as per taste
- Coriander Leaves (few, chopped)
Instructions
- Combine whisked curd and salt in a bowl.
- Add the mutton pieces and marinate for 2 to 3 hours.
- Heat ghee in a pressure cooker.
- Add cinnamon, black cardamoms and bay leaves.
- Fry for 10 seconds and add chopped onions.
- Fry till onions turn light brown.
- Add the ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, red chilli powder and chopped tomatoes.
- Cook for a few minutes till well mixed.
- Add the mutton pieces with the marinade and stir well.
- Add 3/4 to 1 cup of water and mix well.
- Close the lid and pressure cook till 2 whistles.
- Reduce flame and keep on low heat for 10 to 30 minutes.
- Remove and stir well.
- Garnish wth coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rotis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken or beef instead of mutton?
Surely. While mutton gives this curry its signature richness, chicken or beef make tasty alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your preferred protein.
How can I make this dish vegetarian/vegan?
For a vegetarian version, use paneer or your favorite veggies like cauliflower or potatoes instead of mutton. To make it vegan, skip the yogurt marinade and use a plant-based yogurt alternative like coconut yogurt in the gravy.
Is this curry spicy hot?
Raarha Meat has a lovely warmth from the chili powder, but it’s not an intensely spicy dish. Feel free to adjust the heat level to your personal taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder used.
What are some good sides to serve with this?
Fresh, fluffy naan or parathas are a must. You can also round out the meal with a cooling raita, simple salad, and maybe some crunchy papad on the side.
Can I use Greek yogurt for the marinade?
While Greek yogurt works in a pinch, it’s best to use regular plain yogurt that has a thinner, more pourable consistency for this recipe. Greek yogurt is thicker and may not distribute as evenly when marinating the mutton.
