Safed Maas Sliders
Tender, slow-cooked mutton in a creamy, nutty white gravy inspired by Rajasthani Safed Maas, served in soft slider buns. A perfect fusion of royal Indian flavors and a fun, modern format.
For 12 servings
5 steps. 95 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Mutton
- b.In a large bowl, combine the mutton cubes, whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of mutton is well-coated.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for a more tender result.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Cashew Paste
- b.Drain the soaked cashew nuts.
- c.Transfer them to a small blender or grinder with 3 tablespoons of fresh water.
- d.Blend until you achieve a completely smooth, creamy paste. Scrape down the sides as needed. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Safed Maas
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: cinnamon stick, cloves, green and black cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the sliced onions and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and translucent. Do not let them brown.
- e.Add the marinated mutton along with the entire marinade to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the mutton for 5-7 minutes, until it's no longer pink.
- f.Stir in the coriander powder and white pepper powder. Cook for 1 minute.
- g.Add 1 cup of water and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Bring to a boil.
- h.For pot cooking: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the mutton is fork-tender. For pressure cooking: Secure the lid and cook for 6-7 whistles (about 20-25 minutes).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish the Filling
- b.Once the mutton is cooked, open the pot. If there is excess liquid, cook on high heat, stirring, until the gravy reduces to a thick, coating consistency.
- c.Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the smooth cashew paste and slit green chillies. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking and burning.
- d.Turn off the heat. Use two forks to shred the tender mutton pieces directly in the pot, mixing them with the thick gravy.
- e.Stir in the fresh cream and garam masala. Mix well. Your Safed Maas filling is ready.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toast Buns and Assemble Sliders
- b.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- c.Slice the slider buns in half horizontally and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- d.Brush the cut sides of the buns generously with melted butter.
- e.Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp. Alternatively, toast them on a hot skillet.
- f.Place a generous spoonful of the warm shredded Safed Maas filling on each bottom bun.
- g.Top with a few pickled onions and a sprinkle of fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- h.Cover with the top buns and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use mutton with some fat, as it adds moisture and richness to the filling.
- 2To maintain the signature white color of the gravy, ensure the onions are only softened and not browned.
- 3Shredding the mutton while it's still warm is significantly easier.
- 4Toasting the buns is a crucial step; it adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- 5The mutton filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling.
- 6For a quick pickled onion, thinly slice a red onion and submerge it in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water with a pinch of sugar and salt for 30 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace mutton with 400g of paneer cubes or 500g of shredded raw jackfruit. Adjust cooking times accordingly; paneer only needs to be warmed through at the end, while jackfruit will need to be cooked until tender.
Chicken VersionChicken Version
Use 500g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of mutton. Reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes.
Nut FreeNut-Free
For a nut-free version, replace the cashew paste with a paste made from 1/4 cup of melon seeds (magaz) or use 1/2 cup of thick, full-fat yogurt whisked until smooth.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the number of green chillies or add a pinch of black pepper along with the white pepper for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Mutton is a high-quality protein source, crucial for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and supporting overall body functions.
Rich in Iron and B12
This dish provides a significant amount of iron and vitamin B12 from mutton, which are essential for forming red blood cells, preventing anemia, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Provides Healthy Fats
Cashews and ghee contribute monounsaturated and saturated fats, which provide energy and support brain health. Consumed in moderation, they are a key part of this rich, traditional dish.
Energy Boosting
The combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates from the slider buns delivers a substantial and satisfying energy boost.
Frequently asked questions
Each Safed Maas Slider contains approximately 295-320 calories, depending on the size of the bun and the fat content of the mutton. This is an estimate and can vary.