Mansa Kancha Kadali Jhola
A rustic, soul-warming mutton curry from Odisha that pairs tender goat meat with raw banana in a thin, spiced gravy. The raw banana soaks up the mutton's richness while adding its own subtle sweetness, making every spoonful a comforting balance of meaty depth and light, brothy warmth.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Marinate the mutton.
1.In a mixing bowl, combine goat meat pieces with 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp mustard oil.2.Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.3.Cover and set aside for 15 minutes at room temperature.TIPMustard oil adds a distinct pungent kick that defines Odia curries — don't skip it. - prep · ~3 min
Prepare the raw banana.
1.Peel the raw bananas and cut into 1-inch cubes.2.Immediately place the cubes in a bowl of water to prevent discoloration. - saute · ~8 min
Sauté the whole spices and onions.
1.Heat remaining mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat until it reaches smoking point, then reduce to low.2.Add bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.3.Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.TIPLet the mustard oil smoke slightly before adding spices — this removes its raw pungency and brings out a nutty aroma. - saute · ~6 min
Build the masala base.
1.Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the browned onions. Sauté for 1 minute until raw smell disappears.2.Add chopped tomatoes, remaining turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder.3.Cook until tomatoes soften and oil starts to separate from the masala, about 4-5 minutes.4.Add a splash of water if the masala sticks to the bottom. - pressure cook · ~20 min
Pressure cook the mutton.
1.Add the marinated mutton to the masala and stir well to coat each piece.2.Sauté mutton with masala for 3-4 minutes until meat is lightly browned.3.Pour 3 cups of water and add remaining salt. Stir to combine.4.Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, about 15-20 minutes.5.Allow pressure to release naturally. - simmer · ~12 min
Cook the vegetables and finish the gravy.
1.Open the pressure cooker. Check if mutton is tender — it should be almost falling off the bone.2.Add the drained raw banana cubes and potato cubes to the gravy.3.Add 1 cup of water to adjust consistency. The jhola should be thin and soupy.4.Simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until banana and potato are cooked through.5.Sprinkle garam masala over the top and give a gentle stir.TIPDon't overcook the banana — it should hold its shape and offer a slight bite, not turn mushy. - serve
Garnish and serve hot.
Ladle the Mansa Kancha Kadali Jhola into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped coriander leaves. Serve piping hot with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Marinate the mutton with mustard oil for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- 2Let the mustard oil reach its smoking point before adding spices to remove raw pungency.
- 3Soak raw banana cubes in water immediately after cutting to prevent discoloration.
- 4Check mutton tenderness after pressure cooking — it should be almost falling off the bone.
- 5Simmer the gravy uncovered after adding vegetables to keep it thin and soupy.
- 6Add garam masala only at the end to preserve its aromatic oils.
- 7Do not overcook the raw banana — it should hold its shape with a slight bite.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace goat meat with paneer or chickpeas and use vegetable broth — perfect for a plant-based version of this Odia comfort dish.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce mustard oil to 1 tablespoon and dry-sauté the onions and spices with water splashes to cut fat without losing flavor.
spicierSpicier
Add 2 more slit green chilies and 1 extra teaspoon of red chili powder for those who crave intense heat in their jhola.
gluten free friendlyGluten-free friendly
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written — just ensure your spice powders are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron
Goat meat is an excellent source of heme iron, which supports healthy blood and energy levels, especially in this bone-in preparation.
Good Source of Potassium
Raw banana and potato provide potassium, a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and muscle function.
Low in Saturated Fat
Goat meat is naturally leaner than other red meats, and the thin broth-based gravy keeps saturated fat low.
Contains Digestive Spices
Turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander in this dish aid digestion and offer anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
No, regular ripe banana will turn mushy and overly sweet. Use green plantain or raw banana for the right texture and subtle flavor.



