7 Easy Mutton Slow Cooker Recipes for Indian Cuisine

When it comes to Indian cuisine, mutton (or goat meat) is a beloved ingredient, known for its robust flavor and tenderness when cooked properly. Slow cooking this meat brings out its rich flavors, making it perfect for a variety of Indian dishes. Whether you're a novice or a pro in the kitchen, using a slow cooker to prepare mutton can simplify your cooking process while delivering delicious results. In this blog, we explore seven simple yet mouthwatering slow cooker mutton recipes tailored for Indian palates. Each recipe not only embodies the essence of Indian spices but also offers a convenient way to enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals.

Achari Mutton

This dish brings the tangy zest of pickles (achar in Hindi) into a hearty mutton preparation, making it an unusual yet delectable treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton (cut into pieces)
• 2 tbsp mustard oil
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds (rai)
• 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 5-6 dried red chilies
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ¹⁄₂ cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp mango pickle (murabba)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Steps:

1. Heat mustard oil in a pan, add all the whole spices, and sauté until they crackle.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook until the raw smell disappears.
3. Transfer this spice mix to the slow cooker.
4. Add mutton pieces, yogurt, mango pickle, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

🌟 Note: The flavors of Achari Mutton develop further as it rests, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Mangalore Style Mutton Sukka

Coming from the rich coastal cuisine of Mangalore, this dish pairs mutton with a mix of aromatic spices and roasted coconut for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton, cubed
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tsp tamarind paste
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 10-12 curry leaves
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 inch ginger
• 4-5 dried red chilies
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Dry roast the coconut with cumin, coriander seeds, and red chilies until golden brown.
2. Grind this mixture with garlic, ginger, tamarind paste, and curry leaves to make a paste.
3. In a pan, heat coconut oil, add onions, and sauté until golden.
4. Add mutton, cook briefly then transfer to slow cooker.
5. Add the ground spice mix, garam masala, salt, and a little water.
6. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
7. Garnish with chopped curry leaves before serving.

🥥 Note: The grated coconut adds a wonderful texture to the dish; ensure not to over-roast it to preserve its natural oils.

Kashmiri Yakhni Mutton

This yogurt-based mutton dish from the Kashmir region is known for its creamy texture and subtle yet aromatic flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 5-6 cardamom pods
• 2 inch cinnamon stick
• 6 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp ginger powder
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color, not heat)
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Whisk yogurt until smooth.
2. In a pan, heat ghee, add all whole spices, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the mutton pieces and brown them slightly.
4. Transfer to slow cooker, add yogurt, ginger powder, red chili powder, and salt.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Serve with steamed rice or naan.

🧘‍♀️ Note: Yakhni is traditionally a part of the Wazwan feast; the slow cooking ensures that the spices infuse into the meat, giving it a delicate taste.

Spicy Andhra Mutton Curry

Andhra cuisine is known for its fiery flavors, and this mutton curry doesn’t disappoint, packed with spicy heat and robust spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 green chilies, slit
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add onions, and fry until golden brown.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, sauté for a minute.
3. Add mutton, cook until it changes color.
4. Transfer to slow cooker, add all spice powders, tomato puree, green chilies, salt, and water.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Adjust seasoning, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.

Malabar Mutton Biryani

A feast in itself, this biryani from the Malabar region of Kerala is known for its rich, layered flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mutton
• 3 cups basmati rice, soaked
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp biryani masala
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• ¹⁄₄ cup ghee
• ¹⁄₄ cup fried onions (birista) for garnish
• Mint and coriander leaves, chopped

Steps:

1. Marinate the mutton with yogurt, spices, and salt for at least 2 hours.
2. In a pan, sauté onions in ghee until caramelized, then add tomatoes, chilies, and ginger-garlic paste.
3. Layer the marinated mutton in the slow cooker with rice, followed by the onion-tomato mixture.
4. Add more layers of rice, followed by fried onions and herbs.
5. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Fluff up the biryani before serving, garnishing with additional fried onions.

To savor these scrumptious Indian mutton recipes, slow cooking is a method that offers not only flavor infusion but also a convenient and stress-free cooking experience. The slow cooker melts down the tougher sinews of the mutton, making it tender while allowing the spices to develop and intensify over time. Each dish offers a unique taste profile, reflecting the diversity of Indian cuisine: - Achari Mutton provides the tangy zest of pickles with a hearty mutton base. - Mangalore Style Mutton Sukka brings the coastal flavors with roasted coconut. - Kashmiri Yakhni Mutton offers a creamy, spice-infused experience. - Spicy Andhra Mutton Curry is for those who love the heat. - Malabar Mutton Biryani is a labor of love with layers of aromatic flavors. Remember, patience is key with slow cooker meals. Allow time for the flavors to meld, and you'll be rewarded with dishes that taste like they've been simmering for hours over a traditional Indian stove. Enjoy these recipes, share them with friends and family, and let your slow cooker do the magic!