Seyal Mutton
A classic Sindhi delicacy where tender mutton pieces are slow-cooked in a rich, luscious gravy made from caramelized onions, tomatoes, and yogurt. This aromatic curry is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a special meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Mutton
- b.In a large bowl, combine the mutton pieces, whisked curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece of mutton is well-coated with the marinade.
- d.Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Onion Base (Seyal)
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the thinly sliced onions. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn a deep golden brown. This caramelization is key to the dish's signature flavor and color.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Masala
- b.Add the tomato puree and slit green chilies to the browned onions.
- c.Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the masala at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sear and Cook the Mutton
- b.Add the marinated mutton to the pot.
- c.Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the mutton for 8-10 minutes, stirring continuously, until it is browned on all sides and the marinade has cooked down.
- d.Pour in 1.5 cups of warm water and add the remaining 0.25 tsp of salt. Stir well to combine everything, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- e.Bring the curry to a rolling boil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Slow Cook the Curry
- b.Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
- c.Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 60-70 minutes.
- d.Stir every 20 minutes to prevent sticking. The mutton is cooked when it is fork-tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- e.If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of warm water to adjust the consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and sprinkle the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves over the curry.
- c.Gently stir, then cover and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Serve hot with Sindhi phulka, naan, or steamed basmati rice.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to a rich and flavorful Seyal Mutton is to brown the onions patiently until they are a deep golden color.
- 2Using mutton with bones adds more flavor and richness to the gravy compared to boneless meat.
- 3For a quicker cooking time, use a pressure cooker. After searing the mutton, add water and pressure cook for 5-6 whistles on medium heat.
- 4Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature and whisked well before adding to the marinade to prevent it from curdling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies to 4-5 or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the garam masala at the end.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a richer, creamier texture, add a paste of 10-12 soaked and ground cashews along with the tomato puree.
With PotatoesWith Potatoes
Add 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered, to the pot along with the mutton to make it a more wholesome, one-pot meal.
With LambWith Lamb
This recipe works equally well with lamb instead of mutton. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for tenderness after 50 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Mutton is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the mutton, a type that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is essential for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Immunity-Boosting Spices
The use of spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which can help support a healthy immune system and protect against cellular damage.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Seyal Mutton contains approximately 515-550 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the fat content of the mutton and the amount of oil used.