Mutton curry in traditional style

Cooking mutton during Dashain, a major Hindu festival in Nepal, often involves traditional recipes and methods. Here's a basic recipe for preparing traditional Nepali mutton curry for Dashain festival

Ingredients:

• 500g mutton (bone-in pieces for better flavor)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil or ghee
• Water

Instructions:

1. Marinate the mutton with turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and a little salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Heat a heavy-bottomed pot (a traditional "handi" is often used) over medium heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of oil or ghee.

3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5. Add the marinated mutton and sear it until it changes color.

6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

7. Add the green chilies for some heat.

8. Pour in enough water to cover the mutton. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

9. Cover the pot and let the mutton cook on low heat for 1-1.5 hours or until it becomes tender. You may need to add more water during cooking if it dries up.

10. Check for salt and adjust the seasoning if needed.

11. Once the mutton is tender and the curry reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat.

12. Traditionally, Nepali mutton curry is garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.

13. Serve the mutton curry with steamed rice or traditional Nepali bread , rice, bitten rice or sel roti.

This traditional Nepali mutton curry is rich in flavor and is a popular dish during festivals like Dashain. The slow cooking process allows the mutton to become tender and absorb the aromatic spices. Enjoy this delicious meal with your family during Dashain celebrations.