Authentic Punjabi Mutton Curry Recipe – Spicy Dhaba Style Mutton Curry at Home

Authentic Punjabi Mutton Curry Recipe – Learn how to make authentic Punjabi mutton curry with this easy dhaba-style recipe. Rich, spicy, and slow-cooked for tender meat – perfect with roti or rice.

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: February 23, 2026

 

Flavorful, Spicy, and Bold: Punjabi Mutton Curry Recipe

When it comes to rich North Indian gravies, Punjabi mutton curry stands out as a true comfort dish. Known for its deep flavors, thick masala, and tender slow-cooked meat, this dish is a staple in Punjabi households and dhabas (roadside eateries).

Dhaba-style mutton curry is strong, fiery, and loaded with aromatics like ginger, garlic, onions, and whole spices, in contrast to mild curries. Slow cooking allows the mutton to absorb every bit of the masala, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, oily gravy — exactly how authentic Punjabi cuisine is meant to taste.

Dhaba-style mutton curry is strong, fiery, and loaded with aromatics like ginger, garlic, onions, and whole spices, in contrast to mild curries.

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Best Cut for Punjabi Mutton Curry

For the best results, choose:

1. Bone-in goat meat (preferred)
2. Shoulder or leg pieces
3. Medium-sized cuts for even cooking
4. Bone-in pieces add depth and richness to the gravy.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Mutton

1. 750 g mutton (bone-in)
2. ½ tsp turmeric
3. Salt to taste

Whole Spices

1. 2 bay leaves
2. 4 green cardamoms
3. 4 cloves
4. 1-inch cinnamon stick
5. 1 tsp cumin seeds

Base Masala

1. 3 large onions (finely chopped)
2. 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3. 2 tomatoes (pureed)
4. 2 green chilies (slit)

Powdered Spices

1. 1½ tsp red chili powder
2. 1 tsp coriander powder
3. ½ tsp turmeric powder
4. 1 tsp garam masala
5. ½ tsp black pepper
6. 1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)

Cooking

1. 4 tbsp mustard oil or ghee
2. 2 cups hot water
3. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Make Punjabi Mutton Curry (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Marinate the Mutton

Mix mutton with turmeric and salt. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat mustard oil until slightly smoky (reduces raw smell). Add cumin seeds and whole spices. Let them release the aroma.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala

Add chopped onions and sauté until deep golden brown — this step is crucial for authentic flavor.

Cook until the raw smell is eliminated from the ginger-garlic paste.

Cook until the oil separates after adding the tomato puree. This indicates properly cooked masala.

Step 4: Add Spices

Add salt, turmeric, black pepper, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Mutton

Add marinated mutton and sauté on high heat for 5–7 minutes. This seals in juices and enhances taste.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Add hot water, cover, and cook:

Pressure cooker: 5–6 whistles

Open pot: 45–60 minutes (low flame)

Cook until the mutton is tender and the gravy thickens.

Step 7: Final Touch

Sprinkle garam masala and kasuri methi. Simmer 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh coriander.

Pro Tips for Dhaba Style Mutton Curry

1. Slow cooking gives the best texture.
2. Browning onions deeply enhances richness.
3. Mustard oil adds an authentic Punjabi aroma.
4. Allow curry to rest 20 minutes before serving — flavors intensify.

Why This Punjabi Mutton Curry Recipe Works

This how to Make Punjabi Mutton Curry focuses on:

1. Layered spice building
2. Proper onion caramelization
3. Balanced heat
4. Slow cooking for tenderness

The result? A bold and deeply satisfying spicy mutton curry recipe that tastes exactly like a roadside Punjabi dhaba.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

1. Tandoori roti
2. Butter naan
3. Jeera rice
4. Laccha paratha
5. Sliced onions and lemon wedges

Perfect for weekend feasts and festive celebrations.

Final Thoughts

If you crave bold North Indian flavors, this Punjabi mutton curry recipe is a must-try. Rich, spicy, and comforting, it delivers restaurant-style results in your own kitchen.

Cook it once — and it will become your signature Sunday special.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.