Authentic Chettinad Mutton Masala Recipe | Spicy South Indian Curry

 Chettinad Mutton Masala is a classic South Indian dish that hails from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Known for its rich flavors and fiery spice levels, this mutton curry is made with a unique blend of aromatic spices, coconut, and curry leaves, making it a favorite among lovers of bold, spicy dishes. This slow-cooked curry with tender mutton pieces in a spicy gravy is often served with steamed rice, naan, or paratha, offering an unforgettable taste of South Indian cuisine.

Chettinad cuisine is famous for its bold use of spices, particularly in meat dishes like mutton masala. The Chettiar community, a wealthy merchant class from Tamil Nadu, developed this cuisine, blending local ingredients with flavors they encountered through trade across South and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, Chettinad dishes are known for their complex flavors achieved through slow cooking and the use of roasted spices. The hallmark of Chettinad Mutton Masala is its spice blend, often prepared fresh using ingredients such as cumin, coriander, peppercorns, and dry red chilies, giving the dish its intense flavor and heat.

Ingredients:

1- 500g Mutton

2- 3 tbsp Oil

3- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds

4- 2 Bay Leaves

5- 2 Onions (finely chopped)

6- 2 Tomatoes (finely chopped)

7- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste

8- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder

9- 1 tbsp Chettinad Masala Powder

10- Salt to taste

11- 1 cup Coconut Milk

12- Fresh Coriander Leaves (for garnishing)

Method:

1- Clean and wash the mutton thoroughly. Pat dry and keep it aside.

2- Heat oil in a deep-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add fennel seeds and bay leaves and sauté for a minute.

3- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

4- Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for a minute or until the raw smell goes away.

5- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.

6- Add turmeric powder, Chettinad masala powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.

7- Add mutton pieces and sauté for a few minutes until the mutton is well coated with the masala.

8- Add coconut milk and mix well.

9- Add 2 cups of water and mix well.

10- Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes or until the mutton is tender and cooked through.

11- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or naan.

Note:

1- Chettinad masala powder can be easily prepared at home by roasting and grinding whole spices such as cumin, coriander, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, and dry red chilies.

2- Adjust the amount of spices and red chilies as per your taste preference.

3- Use freshly grated coconut or coconut milk for the best taste.

Nutrition Facts:

1- 500g Mutton  

- Calories: Approximately 1200  

- Carbohydrates: 0g  

- Protein: 100g  

- Fat: 92g  

- Sodium: 320mg  

- Cholesterol: 385mg  

- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins, especially B12  

- Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus  

- Nutritional Benefit: Mutton is rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins, supporting muscle growth, energy production, and immune function.

2- 3 tbsp Oil  

- Calories: Approximately 360  

- Carbohydrates: 0g  

- Protein: 0g  

- Fat: 40g  

- Sodium: 0mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin E (varies by oil type)  

- Minerals: None  

- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

3- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds  

- Calories: Approximately 7  

- Carbohydrates: 1g  

- Protein: 0.3g  

- Fat: 0.1g  

- Sodium: 2mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin C and B6  

- Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Fennel seeds aid digestion and contain antioxidants that support overall health.

4- 2 Bay Leaves  

- Calories: Approximately 6  

- Carbohydrates: 1.4g  

- Protein: 0.1g  

- Fat: 0.2g  

- Sodium: 0mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C  

- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Bay leaves are rich in antioxidants and may improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

5- 2 Onions (finely chopped)  

- Calories: Approximately 88  

- Carbohydrates: 22g  

- Protein: 2g  

- Fat: 0g  

- Sodium: 8mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6  

- Minerals: Potassium, manganese  

- Nutritional Benefit: Onions are rich in antioxidants, help reduce inflammation, and support heart health.

6- 2 Tomatoes (finely chopped)  

- Calories: Approximately 44  

- Carbohydrates: 10g  

- Protein: 2g  

- Fat: 0.5g  

- Sodium: 18mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A  

- Minerals: Potassium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting skin health and reducing cancer risk.

7- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste  

- Calories: Approximately 10  

- Carbohydrates: 2g  

- Protein: 0.3g  

- Fat: 0.1g  

- Sodium: 3mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin B6, Vitamin C  

- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, supporting immune function and digestion.

8- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder  

- Calories: Approximately 8  

- Carbohydrates: 1.4g  

- Protein: 0.3g  

- Fat: 0.2g  

- Sodium: 0mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6  

- Minerals: Iron, manganese  

- Nutritional Benefit: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound, promoting overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

9- 1 tbsp Chettinad Masala Powder  

- Calories: Approximately 20  

- Carbohydrates: 4g  

- Protein: 1g  

- Fat: 0.5g  

- Sodium: Varies  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6  

- Minerals: Iron, calcium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Chettinad masala contains a blend of spices that add flavor while providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

10- Salt to taste  

- Calories: 0  

- Carbohydrates: 0g  

- Protein: 0g  

- Fat: 0g  

- Sodium: Varies  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: None  

- Minerals: Sodium  

- Nutritional Benefit: While essential in moderation for fluid balance and nerve function, excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure.

11- 1 cup Coconut Milk  

- Calories: Approximately 445  

- Carbohydrates: 6g  

- Protein: 4.6g  

- Fat: 48g  

- Sodium: 40mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin C, E, B vitamins  

- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, potassium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Coconut milk provides healthy fats, particularly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may improve heart health and support weight management.

12- Fresh Coriander Leaves (for garnishing)  

- Calories: Approximately 1  

- Carbohydrates: 0.2g  

- Protein: 0.1g  

- Fat: 0g  

- Sodium: 1mg  

- Cholesterol: 0mg  

- Vitamins: Vitamin A, C, K  

- Minerals: Calcium, potassium  

- Nutritional Benefit: Coriander is rich in vitamins A and C, offering antioxidant properties and promoting healthy skin and immunity.