Authentic Tamil Nadu Chettinad Eraichi Varuval with Steamed Ponni Rice
Experience the fiery depth of Chettinad cuisine with this robust, spice-laden mutton dry roast. Tender meat is slow-cooked with freshly ground roasted spices, shallots, and curry leaves for an unforgettable meal.
Dry roast the coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dry red chilies, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves in a pan over medium heat until aromatic, then grind them into a coarse powder.
2
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pressure cooker, add curry leaves and shallots, and sauté until the shallots turn translucent.
3
Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy, releasing oil from the sides.
5
Add the mutton pieces, turmeric powder, and salt, mixing well to coat the meat with the masala base.
6
Add a half cup of water, cover, and pressure cook for 4 to 5 whistles or until the mutton is tender.
7
Open the cooker once pressure releases naturally, switch on the heat, and add the freshly ground Chettinad spice powder.
8
Sauté continuously on medium-high heat until all the excess moisture evaporates and the spices coat the tender mutton pieces tightly with a dark roast finish.
9
Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve hot with steamed Ponni rice.
Ingredients
500 grams mutton, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons sesame oil or coconut oil
1 cup small shallots (sambar onions), peeled and halved
2 sprigs fresh curry leaves
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
3 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
4 dry red chilies
2 cinnamon sticks
3 green cardamom pods
4 cloves
*This AI-generated recipe may contain inaccuracies.