🇮🇳 India · Food
Mutton Ishtu
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇮🇳 INA comforting, mild Anglo-Indian style stew featuring tender mutton slow-cooked with whole spices, onions, and potatoes. It is a subtle and aromatic dish perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Marinate 500g mutton with 0.5 cup yogurt and a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot and add 4 cardamom pods and 1 cinnamon stick.
- 3
Sauté 3 sliced onions until they turn soft and translucent but not browned.
- 4
Add 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- 5
Add the mutton and sear on high heat until the meat changes color from pink to brownish.
- 6
Pour in 2 cups warm water, cover tightly, and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes until tender.
- 7
Remove the lid, check the consistency, and season with 1.5 tsp chili powder and salt.
- 8
Simmer for another 5 minutes uncovered to thicken the gravy, then serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure the mutton is tender?+
Low and slow cooking is the key. If the meat is tough after 45 minutes, add a little extra hot water and continue cooking.
Can I use a pressure cooker?+
Yes, it will save time. Cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat to achieve perfect tenderness.
What is the flavor profile?+
Unlike spicy curries, this stew is aromatic and mild, highlighting the sweetness of onions and the fragrance of whole spices.
What should I serve this with?+
It pairs beautifully with warm sourdough bread, dinner rolls, or steamed rice.
