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Mutton korma (Lamb korma)

By swasthi , on January 27, 2020, 29 Comments, Jump to Recipe

Mutton korma recipe – This Indian lamb korma is one of the best I made in the recent times. Mutton korma is a dish made by slow cooking mutton along with yogurt, whole spices and spice powders. There are so many ways a korma is made. This is one of the versions that is close to the authentic mughlai dish except for the use of turmeric and coriander powder.

mutton korma lamb korma

Mutton korma can be served with Naan, paratha, Pulao, Biryani and even with plain rice. I made this for a weekend lunch along with Paratha, Raita, Plain basmati rice and Lassi.

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This lamb korma is a very simple dish that’s made with minimum ingredients. It is popular in North India & is prepared in ghee or clarified butter. If you do not prefer ghee, then you can use oil. But korma gets it flavor by using the best quality ghee.

More Mutton recipes
Easy mutton Curry
Mutton Biryani
Keema recipe
Mutton kabab

Preparation

1. Transfer washed mutton to a heavy bottom pot. Add in spices – cinnamon, cardamom, black cardamoms and cloves.

adding whole spices to marinate lamb for mutton korma

2. Next add in spice powders – red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric and salt.

adding chilli powder for marinade to make mutton korma

3. Fresh ground ginger & garlic paste is best for this recipe. Add in 1 tbsp paste.

adding ginger garlic paste to make lamb korma

4. Transfer thick curd or yogurt. Then throw in a slit green chili and crushed pepper corn.

adding yogurt to prepare marinade for lamb korma

5. Marinate everything and keep refrigerated for at least 2 to 3 hours. The longer the mutton is marinated the better it is. I usually leave it in the fridge overnight.

resting the marinade to make lamb korma
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Making fried onions for mutton korma

6. Meanwhile wash and slice 3 medium sized onions very thinly. Separate the layers of onions and deep fry in hot oil until crisp and golden. Drain them on a kitchen tissue until cool.You can also make this a day ahead. I used about 1 cup of fried onions. Please do not use store bought fried onions made in vanaspati or vegetable oil.

making fried onions to make mutton korma

7. Transfer the onions to a blender.

transferring fried onions to blender

8. Pulse it several times to make a coarse powder or paste. Don’t worry if you get a paste as it depends on the fats absorbed.

pulsing fried onions to make powder or paste
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How to make lamb korma

9. When you are about to begin cooking, transfer the same ghee to the pot. You can also do it the other way by transferring the marinade to the ghee pan.

adding ghee to cook mutton korma

10. Begin to saute the mutton for at least 10 mins.

saute meat for at least 10 mins

11. By this time, the marinade turns runny as the yogurt and mutton lets out water. Cook covered on a low to medium heat for at least 30 mins.

slow cooking mutton korma

12. After 30 mins, put in the crushed fried onions. Then pour 2 cups of water. You can use more water as needed.

pouring water to cook mutton korma

13. Mix well.

slow cooking lamb korma
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Slow cooking mutton korma

14. Cover and cook until the mutton turns soft. Keep stirring in between to prevent the fried onions from burning.

cooking covered

15. When the mutton is almost cooked, put in mace and nutmeg powder.

adding mace and nutmeg

16. Continue to cook stirring occasionally until the mutton is done completely. The mutton should fall off the bone when it is cooked completely. The meat is soft, juicy and succulent.

fully cooked lamb korma
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17. Add in kewra water. If you do not like you can just skip it and add ¼ tsp of cardamom powder.

Adding kewra water

18. The consistency of the korma is thick. The oil separates and floats on top.

checking the consistency of mutton korma

Mutton korma tastes best after resting it for at least an hour. I usually serve after 2 hours.

mutton korma recipe

Tips to make the best mutton korma

  • Good quality lamb meat or mutton, whole spices, garam masala and ghee are the key contributors to a flavorful mutton korma.
  • It is the quality of the meat that matters the most so buy fresh cut lamb or at least cut on the same day.
  • Patience is the next big thing needed for a good mutton recipe. Always make sure and cook it on a low to medium flame. Meat cooked on high heat always turns hard.
  • Always marinate the mutton as this process helps to tenderize and enhance the flavor of the meat. The longer it rests the more succulent & tender it turns out. You can also marinate the previous night & refrigerate. Ensure it comes to room temperature before you begin to cook.
  • Traditionally ghee was the preferred fats to cook korma. But if you do not have it then just go ahead using oil.
  • The fried onions is the star of any korma recipe, so always make them at home. You can also make it ahead and refrigerate in a glass jar. Avoid store bought fried onions fried in vanaspathi or vegetable margarine as it ruins the entire dish.
  • This recipe can be made in a slow cooker & instant pot. Slow cooking the lamb korma brings out the flavors of the lamb and also makes the gravy rich. So do not cook mutton korma in a rush.
  • Lamb korma can be made ahead and refrigerated. This flavor & taste of the korma enhances the next day.
  • Avoid using sour yogurt and use fresh. I use homemade fresh yogurt.

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Lamb korma recipe

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Mutton korma (lamb korma)

Easy lamb korma made with yogurt, whole spices and spice powders. This is a slow cooked Indian lamb korma curry that turns out delicious & the best with soft tender & succulent chunks of meat. Serve this with naan, roti, paratha or plain rice basmati.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Servings4
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )

for marination

  • 500 grams mutton or lamb
  • 1 cup yogurt or thick curd
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste fresh
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (use as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder or ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric or haldi (optional)
  • 1 green chili paste or slit

Whole spices (or use 1½ tsp garam masala)

  • 4 to 6 cloves or laung
  • 2 inch cinnamon or dalchini
  • 6 green cardamoms or elaichi
  • 2 small black cardamoms or badi elaichi
  • ½ teaspoon pepper corn lightly crushed black pepper

Other ingredients

  • 3 medium onions thinly sliced or use 1 cup fried onions
  • 3 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter or oil
  • 2 cups water Use more if needed

Optional (for authentic flavors)

  • 1 strand mace or javithri
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg or jaiphal powder
  • 1 teaspoon kewra water (or ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder)
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Instructions

Marination for mutton korma

  • Wash the mutton well and drain the water. Put it in a a bowl for marination. 
  • Next transfer all the spices – coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric & garam masala. (or whole spices – cinnamon, cardamoms, black cardamoms, pepper and cloves)
  • Add ginger garlic paste, green chilli, salt and yogurt.
  • Mix all of these and cover it. Keep this for marination for at least 2 hours to overnight in the fridge.
  • The marinade works as a tenderizer. So longer the lamb meat is allowed to rest the more tender it turns.

How to make lamb korma

  • Heat ghee or oil in a wide heavy bottom pan or pot.
  • Separate the layers of onions and slide them to the hot oil.
  • Fry them until deep golden stirring often. The onions must be uniformly browned without burning. This may take about 8 to 10 mins.
  • Cool these completely and pulse them coarsely in a blender. Do not over blend as they begin to release lot of oil. Set this aside.
  • To the same pan, add the lamb marinade and mix it. Begin to saute on a medium heat for about 10 mins. 
  • Yogurt and lamb lets out lot of moisture. Cover and let the mutton cook in this for 30 mins.
  • After 30 minutes of cooking the mutton, add the crushed fried brown onions.
  • Pour 2 cups water and mix well. Cook covered until mutton turns slightly tender stirring occasionally. This may take about 1 hour or more.
  • Add mace and nutmeg at this stage. Continue to cook until the mutton falls off the bone easily. Optional – Add kewra water at this stage. Mix and turn off. 
  • Allow lamb korma to rest at least for a hour to absorb the flavors. Serve with naan, roti, paratha, rice, biryani or pulao.
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Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

Video

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Mutton korma (lamb korma)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 550 Calories from Fat 387
% Daily Value*
Fat 43g66%
Saturated Fat 21g131%
Cholesterol 128mg43%
Sodium 461mg20%
Potassium 570mg16%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 238IU5%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 138mg14%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

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About swasthi

I’m Swasthi shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthis recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills.
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Comments

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  2. Jeka says

    November 23, 2020

    Hi! I made your chicken korma last week. It was amazing even I am an absolute beginner in Indian food!! Now I’m planning to try mutton korma and wondering how to add a bit of cashew nut flavour to it as I really liked it in the chicken korma.
    Also what parts of mutton are the best for korma?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      November 24, 2020

      Hi Jeka,
      Glad to know! You can try with 10 cashews. Grind them along with the onions the same way you did for chicken korma. But mutton dishes don’t need any nuts or cream as the main flavor comes from simmering the bones.
      When the bones are slowed cooked in the korma, the flavor from the marrow is released which is the key. This flavor is altered with the addition of cashews or coconut milk. You may give a try. Hope this helps

      Reply
  3. Sandy says

    September 13, 2020

    5 stars
    Swasthi, the lamb korma was so very interesting and flavoursome – a great success. Matched with your jeera rice and carrot poriyal recipes – my thanks for your passion for cooking and sharing your insights. My family thanks you πŸ™‚

    Reply
  4. Raj says

    May 20, 2020

    Hi,
    Can this recipe be made using boneless mutton instead?
    And if yes, how much boneless mutton replaces 500gms of bone-in mutton?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 22, 2020

      Hi Raj
      You can use the same amount of boneless mutton – 500 grams

      Reply
  5. Quyen says

    May 13, 2020

    Hi, may I ask what is the difference between korma and curry ? Thank you!

    Reply
  6. TA says

    April 10, 2020

    5 stars
    If it’s your recipe, I KNOW it can never turn out bad. You’re so good!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 11, 2020

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Pal says

        November 30, 2020

        Amazing recipe. Tasted better than restaurant. What can I substitute cashews with?

        Reply
  7. Paula says

    March 29, 2020

    5 stars
    Wow amazing authentic taste, we just wanted to keep on eating, as good as any restaurant or I’d say even better πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      April 1, 2020

      Thanks Paula
      Glad you all liked it

      Reply
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  9. Helle says

    December 9, 2019

    Hi
    Do you powder the strand mace og put the entire thing in? I’ve never used strand mace before…

    I’m so looking foreward to cooking this for my birthday.

    Thank you

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      December 9, 2019

      Hi Helle,
      I put the entire strand of mace as I don’t stock the powder. The strand has more flavor than the powder and also it is easy to discard it while serving. You can just skip it if you don’t have or just add a generous pinch of the powder. Hope you enjoy it! Happy birthday!

      Reply
      • Helle says

        December 9, 2019

        Thank you so much – I do have the strand of mace, but I’ve just never used them. We don’t usally use this many spices in the Danish cuisine, but I’m just a big fan of the Indian flavors. That led me to your blog πŸ™‚

        Reply
        • swasthi says

          December 10, 2019

          You are welcome Helle,
          Hope you like the recipe
          πŸ™‚

          Reply
  10. Mazlinda says

    August 19, 2019

    Hi
    Planning to try some of your mutton recipes.
    For the yogurt, can I use Greek yougurt?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 19, 2019

      Hi Mazlinda,
      You are welcome.
      Yes you can use greek yogurt. Hope you enjoy the recipes!

      Reply
  11. Mousumi karmakar says

    February 16, 2019

    This recipe is speechless.

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      February 16, 2019

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  12. saswati says

    November 30, 2018

    5 stars
    hats off to all your recipes
    tried many of your recipes
    and this mutton korma with so little oil it was
    very very tasty
    each and every recipes of yours are THE BEST
    thank you

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      December 1, 2018

      Welcome Saswati,
      Thank you so much for the comment. Very happy to know the recipes were useful.
      πŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Faiza says

    September 4, 2018

    5 stars
    All your recipes are so good! Trust me that’s the first place I look when I want to try something delicious for my husband! Thanks a lot! Keep up the good work!!! You’re my motivation to cook 😊😊

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      September 5, 2018

      Hi Faiza
      You are welcome. I am very very happy reading your comment. Thank you very much!
      πŸ™‚

      Reply
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  15. Shobhana Norris says

    August 8, 2018

    5 stars
    I am indebted to you for life!
    It’s not just the mutton korma , chicken chettinand , rice idlis , grilled sandwiches , drumsticks and potato curry , chicken shawarma , (toum sauce was delicious , so was the smoked chicken)
    pizza bread , chocolate cake ,biryani et al , the list is endless , but it’s the sincerity with which you teach every fine nuance , ( for eg – I learnt from you to you cold water while grinding the idli batter , else it would turn hard) that has made me an ardent fan of yours . Thanks soul sister , though we haven’t met , but I feel connected to you through your posts . Extremely grateful to you for making this 42 year old whose food tasted inspired to someone whose husband and children wait to try out the new recipes dished out daily. Would love to connect on Facebook

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      August 10, 2018

      Hi Shobhana,
      I am speechless and so happy reading your comment. Thanks a ton you made my day!
      I am very glad the recipes are useful. Yes sure we can connect on FB.
      πŸ™‚
      Thanks again

      Reply
  16. Saba says

    June 30, 2018

    Tried it. Loved it. So did my hubby. I am a new cook and your page has become my go to for excellent recipes and probably will remain so for a long time. Love from Pakistan!

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      July 1, 2018

      Hi Saba
      Glad to know the mutton korma turned out good. Thank you so much.
      πŸ™‚

      Reply
  17. Shameem says

    May 30, 2018

    5 stars
    Hi swasthi,
    I tried the korma it turned out delicious πŸ˜‹ thank you for the recipe

    Reply
    • swasthi says

      May 31, 2018

      Welcome Shameem

      Reply

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