Masala Mutton Pasta

this is one of those accidents that turned out to have a happy ending... an indian-meets-mediterranean type of dish... definitely worth a try. it will turn out yummy no matter what!

Servings: 3

Ingredients

250 Grams
mutton (with bone)
6
shallots, sliced
1
cinnamon stick
1
Bay leaf
1
Garlic clove, crushed
1⁄4 Teaspoon
mustard seeds
1⁄4 Teaspoon
cumin seeds
1
handful curry leaves
1 Tablespoon
finely chopped garlic
1 Tablespoon
finely chopped ginger
1
Onion, finely chopped
1
tomato, finely chopped
2
green chillies, slit lengthwise
1 Tablespoon
red chilli powder
1 Tablespoon
coriander powder
1⁄4 Teaspoon
turmeric powder
1 1⁄2 Teaspoons
garam masala, divided
1⁄2 Teaspoon
madras curry powder
2 Tablespoons
tomato ketchup
3 Cups
uncooked pasta shells (small)
—
salt, to taste
—
pepper, to taste

Preparation steps

  • 1
    prepare a stock of the mutton by first sauteeing the shallots, garlic clove, cinnamon and bay leaf in some oil. add the mutton pieces to this and let it brown a bit.
  • 2
    top it up with water (about 2 - 3 cups) and let it come to the boil wen almost boiling, add 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, salt and pepper. let it boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • 3
    let the stock simmer for about half an hour. (you want to draw out as much flavour from the bones as possible). in between, skim off any foamy bits you see on top.
  • 4
    when the stock is done, take it off the heat and let it steep for about 2 hours. then, strain the stock through a fine sieve. reserve the mutton pieces and shallots.
  • 5
    cook the pasta according to package directions till al dente. drain and set aside.
  • 6
    while the pasta is cooking, heat some oil in a non-stick pan. when the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
  • 7
    when the seeds splutter, add the slit green chillies, curry leaves, giner and garlic. stir for about 10 seconds and reduce the heat 9you dont want them to burn).
  • 8
    when the garlic turns translucent, add the chopped onion, a little salt and turmeric powder. stir well and let the onions cook (about a minute).
  • 9
    as the onions are cooking, chop the reserved mutton pieces into bite size pieces and set aside. add the shallots to the cooking onions, mix well.
  • 10
    when the onions are done, add the tomato and stir well. cook covered for about half a minute on medium heat.
  • 11
    next, add the red chilli powder and coriander powder and cook till the spice powders lose their raw smell. at that point, add the tomato ketchup. mix well. cook covered for about 2 minutes on a low flame.
  • 12
    by this time the tomatoes should be well cooked and almost melted into the masala base. to this, add the mutton pieces, garam masala and madras curry powder. stir around for about a minute, and then add 1 1/2 cups of the earlier prepared mutton stock.
  • 13
    let the gravy come to a simmer, and season with salt and pepper.
  • 14
    add the cooked pasta to this and toss it all together to coat with the mutton gravy.
  • 15
    check for seasoning, and adjust the salt if required. the pasta is ready!

Comments

Lejna Ramachandran

This recipe is so awesome Nirmala! have to try it out... This weekend itself for sure :-)

Nirmala Prem

thnx lejna... its pretty filling too! you can make the mutton stock ahead of time and just throw the dish together when required. :) let me know how it turned out.

Lejna Ramachandran

Sure thing :-) Have never seen a mutton and pasta combo... Refreshing and looks yummm!!!