Masala Mutton or Chicken Curry
A rich and aromatic Parsi-style curry featuring tender mutton or chicken simmered with potatoes in a savory gravy. This historical recipe combines traditional Indian spices like turmeric and garam masala with colonial influences such as Worcestershire sauce and celery, creating a unique fusion flavor. Finished with boiled eggs and fresh herbs, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Mutton or Chicken (Cut into pieces. Originally '1 ratal' (1 lb).)
- 1 pound Potatoes (Large variety. Originally '1 seer' (approx 1 lb in this context).)
- 1 cup Ghee (Originally '0.5 seer' (approx 0.5 lb).)
- 2 medium Onions (Originally '0.5 seer' (approx 0.5 lb).)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (Originally '1.5 tolas'.)
- 1 piece Fresh ginger (Approx 1 inch, to be crushed. Originally '0.5 tola'.)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves (To be crushed. Originally '0.25 tola'.)
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (Originally 'Velati sauce'.)
- 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Celery (Finely chopped.)
- 1 tablespoon Parsley (Finely chopped.)
- 1 tablespoon Garam masala (Heaping spoonful.)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder
- 1/2 cup Fresh coriander (cilantro) (Chopped leaves. Originally 'leaves of 4 bunches'.)
- 4 large Green chilies
- 12 leaves Mint leaves
- 4 large Eggs (Hard-boiled.)
- 3 cups Water (Originally '1.5 seers' (approx 3 lbs/3 pints).)
Instructions
- 1Clean the meat and cut it into appropriate pieces; wash twice with cold water. Peel the potatoes, cut them into halves (or quarters), and keep them soaked in cold water. Peel and crush the ginger and garlic. Wash and finely chop the coriander, green chilies, and mint leaves. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them into halves lengthwise. Peel the onions and chop them finely.
- 2Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot (originally a tinned vessel). Add the finely chopped onions and fry until they turn red. Add the crushed ginger and garlic and sauté briefly. Add the meat, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well with a spoon.
- 3Pour in the water (approx 3 cups), cover the pot with a lid, and cook over low heat.
- 4When the meat is half-cooked, add the potatoes, finely chopped celery, parsley, coriander, mint, green chilies, and black pepper powder. Continue to cook until the meat and potatoes are fully tender.
- 5Once fully cooked, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Gently add the halved boiled eggs and sprinkle the garam masala over the top. Serve hot.