Mutton Chana Masala: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Hello Everyone! Welcome to SasVibe. Mutton Chana Masala is a robust and hearty dish that combines tender pieces of mutton with protein-rich chickpeas in a spicy, flavorful gravy. This dish is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. The interplay of spices and the richness of mutton make this a standout dish in Indian cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams mutton, cut into pieces
• 1 cup chickpeas (chana), soaked overnight
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 cup yogurt, beaten
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 4-5 cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 black cardamom pod
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Method of Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Chickpeas and Mutton

1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and set them aside.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the mutton pieces, half of the ginger-garlic paste, salt, and enough water to cover the mutton. Cook until the mutton is tender, typically around 4-5 whistles. Set aside.

Step 2: Cooking the Chickpeas

1. In another pot, cook the chickpeas with a pinch of salt until they are tender but not mushy. This should take about 30-40 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Masala

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, green cardamom, black cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies to the pan. Cook until the onions turn golden brown.
3. Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 4: Adding the Tomatoes and Spices

1. Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
2. Mix in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Combining Mutton and Chickpeas

1. Add the cooked mutton pieces to the masala, stirring to coat them well with the spices.
2. Pour in the beaten yogurt, mixing thoroughly to ensure the mutton is well-coated. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Finalizing the Dish

1. Add the cooked chickpeas to the mutton and masala mixture. Stir well and add about 2 cups of water or mutton stock to create a gravy. Adjust the consistency according to your preference.
2. Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Stir in the garam masala powder and cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serving

1. Garnish the Mutton Chana Masala with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan, or any Indian bread of your choice.

A Culinary Celebration

Mutton Chana Masala is a dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Indian cuisine. The combination of succulent mutton and wholesome chickpeas, simmered in a medley of spices, creates a dish that is both nourishing and flavorful. Perfect for special occasions or a sumptuous weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the layers of flavors and the heartiness of this exquisite dish!