Mutton Pepper Fry

Ingredients

1. Mutton-1/2 kg
2. Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
3. Curry leaves- 2 sprigs or more
4. Onion ( sliced)-2 nos( medium)
5. Shallots( sliced)-10 to 12 nos
6. Ginger and garlic( chopped)- 1tsp
7. Coriander powder- 1 tbsp
8. Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
9. Garam masala powder - 1 tsp + 1/4 tsp
10. Fennel powder-1/2 tsp
11. Water
12. Coconut oil( or any other vegetable oil)
13. Salt to taste

For Marination

1. Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
2. Coriander leaves( chopped)-1/4 cup
3. Mint leaves- 4 to 5 nos( optional)
4. Green chilies- 2 nos( or according to taste)
5. Whole black pepper- 2 tsp( adjust according to taste)
6. Ginger ( 1" piece)- 2 nos
7. Garlic( Indian )- 8 to 10  cloves
8. Lemon juice-2 tsp
9. Salt to taste

Method

• In a blender,combine together the ingredients for marination and grind to form a smooth paste.
• Rub this onto the mutton pieces and keep aside for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and let it splutter.Now add curry leaves,onion and shallots.Saute until it turns golden brown.Add chopped ginger and garlic and saute for few seconds.
• Now reduce the flame to low and add the coriander,turmeric,garam masala and fennel powder along with 2 tbsp of water and mix well.Saute until oil separates for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the marinated mutton pieces and mix well.Pour in required amount of water ( appr 1 1/2 cups) and salt to taste.Cover and cook over a medium flame until mutton is done.
• Cook until all the water is absorbed .When it is almost dry add 1/4 tsp garam masala and more curry leaves.
• Continue frying ,stirring in between ( drizzle more oil if required) until it turns brown.

Note: You can also use a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time.In that case when the mutton is cooked transfer it to a non stick pan for frying.