Authentic Chettinad Lamb Curry (Varuthu Aracha Mutton Kulambu)

1 hour

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4.67 from 3 votes

About Authentic Chettinad Lamb Curry (Varuthu Aracha Mutton Kulambu)

Experience the rich flavors of South India with this authentic Chettinad-style Lamb Curry, also known as Varuthu Aracha Mutton Kulambu. The name itself, "roasted and ground," hints at the unique process of freshly grinding whole spices for an unparalleled depth of aroma and taste. This recipe bypasses pre-made spice blends, delivering a vibrant and intensely flavorful curry that's a true testament to homemade goodness.
Unlike many lamb curries, this traditional method involves roasting and grinding the spices – red chilies, poppy seeds, coriander, and cumin – just before cooking. This ensures a freshness and intensity of flavor that simply can’t be replicated with store-bought spice mixes. Get ready for a richly colored, fragrant curry that's perfect for a memorable South Indian brunch or dinner.
This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to crafting this culinary masterpiece. Impress your family and friends with this authentic and delicious Chettinad lamb curry.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total1 hour
Calories64 kcal
Serves6
Served AsBrunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Lamb & Vegetables

  • 750 gm Lamb cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 2 Potato medium-sized, peeled and chopped into large pieces
  • 3 Onion 1 finely chopped, 2 roughly chopped, medium-sized
  • 5 Coriander stalks, chopped

Spices

Other Ingredients

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients

  • Peel and roughly chop 2 medium onions. Finely chop the remaining onion. Peel and roughly chop the potatoes into large pieces. Cut the lamb into 2-inch cubes. Clean and chop the coriander stalks.

Marinate the Lamb

  • Marinate the lamb with ginger-garlic paste, salt, and turmeric powder for at least 30 minutes.

Roast and Grind the Spices

  • Heat 1 tbsp of gingelly oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, poppy seeds, red chilies, and coriander seeds. Roast for a few minutes until fragrant.

Roast Onions and Coconut

  • Add the roughly chopped onions and shredded coconut to the pan. Roast until the raw smell disappears.

Grind the Spice Mixture

  • Remove the mixture from the heat, let it cool to room temperature, and grind it into a fine paste using a little water.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat the remaining gingelly oil in a pressure cooker. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the chopped coriander stalks and cook until they darken in color.

Brown the Lamb

  • Add the marinated lamb to the pressure cooker and cook until it turns pale white.

Add the Spice Paste

  • Stir in the ground spice paste and a little salt. Cook for a few minutes until oil begins to separate.

Pressure Cook

  • Pour in one cup of water, bring to a boil, and pressure cook for 4 whistles.

Simmer and Finish

  • Once the pressure subsides, remove the lid and simmer over medium heat until the oil separates and floats on the top of the curry. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Chettinad Lamb Curry

  • For a deeper, richer flavor, consider using bone-in lamb.
  • Adjust the number of red chilies according to your spice preference. Start with fewer and add more if needed.
  • Don't skip the marinating step; it helps tenderize the lamb and allows the flavors to meld.
  • If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the curry in a covered pot for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
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4.67 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 570mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Madraasi Deepa
Madraasi Deepa

Full-time blogger, mother, food reviewer, product reviewer, and lover of exploring historical places and fashion.

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4.67 from 3 votes

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