Mutton Korma Recipe – 7 Tips for a Delicious Taste at Home

Introduction

Mutton Korma is a classic and royal dish from the Indian subcontinent, known for its rich, creamy, and aromatic gravy made with yogurt, fried onions, and a variety of traditional spices. It is especially popular during festive occasions, family gatherings, and weddings. This recipe will guide you step by step on how to make delicious mutton korma at home that tastes just like the one served at traditional feasts.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in the kitchen, follow this guide for a perfectly cooked, restaurant-style mutton korma.

What is Mutton Korma?

Mutton Korma is a slow-cooked curry made with tender goat or lamb meat, blended with yogurt, browned onions, ghee, and a medley of spices. It’s a signature dish in Mughlai cuisine and is known for its thick, flavorful, and creamy consistency. The korma technique involves cooking meat slowly to absorb all the rich flavors, making it a special delicacy.

Ingredients for Mutton Korma

Here is the complete list of ingredients required to make authentic mutton korma at home:

Ingredient	Quantity
Mutton (bone-in pieces)	1 kg
Yogurt (curd)	1 cup (whisked)
Onions	3 large (thinly sliced)
Ginger paste	1 tbsp
Garlic paste	1 tbsp
Green cardamoms	4–5 pods
Black cardamoms	2 pods
Cloves	4–6
Cinnamon stick	1–2 inch
Bay leaves	2
Mace (Javitri)	1 small piece
Nutmeg powder	1 pinch
Red chili powder	1½ tsp (adjust to taste)
Coriander powder	2 tsp
Turmeric powder	½ tsp
Garam masala powder	1 tsp
Salt	To taste
Ghee or oil	½ cup
Water	As required
Kewra water (optional)	1 tsp
Saffron (optional)	Few strands soaked in warm milk
Fried onions	½ cup (for garnishing, optional)

Step-by-Step Process to Make Delicious Mutton Korma at Home

How to Make Delicious Mutton Korma at Home

Prepare the Onions

Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
Add sliced onions and fry until they are golden brown and crisp.
Remove and set aside on paper towel. Once cooled, crush half of them for gravy.

Fry the Whole Spices

In the same pan, add green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, and mace.
Sauté for a minute until aromatic.

Cook the Mutton

Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Add mutton pieces and cook on medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes until the meat is browned.

Add Yogurt and Spices

Lower the heat, then add whisked yogurt gradually while stirring to avoid curdling.
Add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt.
Cook this mixture for 10–15 minutes on medium heat, stirring often, until oil separates.

Add Crushed Onions and Simmer

Add the crushed fried onions and mix well.
Pour in enough water to cover the meat.
Cover and cook on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mutton is tender.

Final Touch

Once the meat is cooked and the gravy is thickened, sprinkle garam masala powder and nutmeg powder.
Optionally, add kewra water and saffron-infused milk for extra aroma.
Simmer for 5 more minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with remaining fried onions and serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed rice.

Pros and Cons of Mutton Korma

Pros

Rich in flavor: Perfect for special occasions or feasts.
High in protein: Mutton provides essential amino acids and nutrients.
Cultural value: Traditional Mughlai dish loved across generations.
Customizable: Spice level and richness can be adjusted to taste.

Cons

High in fat: Due to ghee and mutton fat, it’s not ideal for low-fat diets.
Time-consuming: Requires slow cooking for best results.
Not vegetarian-friendly: Obviously not suitable for plant-based diets.
Heavy on the stomach: Especially when eaten in large quantities.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving – 1 cup)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480–550 kcal
Protein	28–32 g
Fat	38–42 g
Saturated Fat	15–18 g
Carbohydrates	8–12 g
Fiber	1–2 g
Sugars	2–3 g
Cholesterol	110–130 mg
Sodium	600–800 mg
Iron	15–20% DV
Calcium	8–10% DV

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the ingredients and portion size.

Final Thoughts

Making mutton korma at home is a labor of love, but the results are absolutely worth the effort. The rich aroma, tender meat, and flavorful gravy are sure to impress family and guests alike. By following this step-by-step guide with all the right ingredients, you can recreate the traditional magic of this royal dish in your own kitchen.

Whether it’s Eid, a wedding, or a special family dinner, this delicious mutton korma recipe is a guaranteed showstopper.

How to Make Delicious Mutton Korma at Home