Kolhapuri Mutton Curry is an authentic delicacy of Maharashtra, a state in the western and central peninsular region of India. A lot of spices go in the making of the Kolhapuri curry, making it aromatic and flavoursome.

Ingredients

For the base:

• Oil- 2 tsp
• Cloves- 2
• Star anise- 1
• Dried bay leaves- 1
• Peppercorns- 1 tsp
• Cinnamon stick- 1 inch
• Dried red chillies- 3 
• Coriander seeds- 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
• Fennel seeds- 1 tsp
• Desiccated coconut- ¼ cup
• Onions- 2, chopped
• Tomatoes- 3, chopped

For the curry:

• Mutton- 500 gms, cut in cubes
• Oil- 3 tbsp
• Lemon juice- 1 tbsp
• Ginger-garlic paste- 1 tbsp
• Onion- 1, sliced
• Red chilli powder- 1 tbsp
• Mutton masala powder- 2 tsp
• Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp
• Water- 500 ml
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves- a handful, finely chopped.

Method

• STEP 1 Wash and marinate the mutton with half the ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt.
• STEP 2 In a pan, heat the oil and fry all the spices until they turn aromatic.
• STEP 3 Now add the chopped onions, tomatoes, and desiccated coconut and fry on a medium flame for about 5-8 minutes.
• STEP 4 Transfer the contents to a plate and let it cool.
• STEP 5 Once cooled down, grind the mixture into a thick fine paste.
• STEP 6 In a large pot, heat the oil and fry the sliced onions until golden brown.
• STEP 7 Add the marinated mutton, ginger garlic paste, salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder, water, and the paste to the pot, and fry until the raw aroma disappears.
• STEP 8 Add mutton masala powder and let it boil on a medium-low flame until the mutton is cooked well.
• STEP 9 Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
• STEP 10 Tastes delicious when served hot with Indian bread or steamed rice.