Nagpuri Mutton Taula (Maharastrian Mutton Curry)

User profile image
Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

Nagpuri Mutton Taula (or Tawla) is a traditional Maharashtrian mutton curry from the Ansari community of Nagpur, loved for its bold, rustic flavours and nutty, slow-cooked gravy. Traditionally made on heavy iron pans (taulas) over wood fires, this dish captures the true essence of Nagpuri cuisine — smoky, rich, and full of depth.

Don’t have a rustic pan? You can easily recreate this authentic taste at home using a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pot. Slow-cooked in **mustard...

Nagpuri Mutton Taula (Maharastrian Mutton Curry)  recipe

Stuck mid-recipe?

Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 30min
Total Time
2hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

Main Ingredients

  • mutton (curry cut)
    mutton (curry cut)
    1kg
  • mustard oil
    mustard oil
    1cup
  • onions, thinly sliced
    onions, thinly sliced
    4
  • garlic
    garlic
    6clove
  • green chillies
    green chillies
    4
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • Kashmiri chilli powder
    Kashmiri chilli powder
    1/2tbsp
  • coriander powder
    coriander powder
    1tbsp
  • yogurt, whisked
    yogurt, whisked
    1cup
  • kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
    kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
    1tbsp
  • hot water
    hot water
    1cup
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste
  • fresh coriander, chopped
    fresh coriander, chopped
    1/3cup

Spice Mix

  • dried coconut (khopra), sliced
    dried coconut (khopra), sliced
    1/4cup
  • sesame seeds
    sesame seeds
    1tbsp
  • poppy seeds (khuskhus)
    poppy seeds (khuskhus)
    1tbsp
  • raw peanuts
    raw peanuts
    1/4cup
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1tsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tbsp
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    2tbsp

How to make Nagpuri Mutton Taula (Maharastrian Mutton Curry)

Make the Garlic-Chilli Paste

  1. Step 1

    Grind garlic and green chillies into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or blender. Set aside.

Prepare the Spice Mix

  1. Step 1

    In a dry pan, roast sliced coconut until lightly golden. Push to the side and add sesame and poppy seeds. Toast on low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and cool.

    Step 2.1: In a dry pan, roast sliced coconut until lightly golden
  2. Step 2

    In the same pan, roast the peanuts until golden. Once cool, rub between your palms to remove their skin.

    Step 2.1: In the same pan, roast the peanuts until golden
    Step 2.2: In the same pan, roast the peanuts until golden
  3. Step 3

    Coarsely grind the roasted coconut, seeds, and peanuts together. Set aside.

    Step 2.1: Coarsely grind the roasted coconut, seeds, and peanuts together
  4. Step 4

    Dry-roast cumin and coriander seeds together until deep golden but not burnt. Cool and grind coarsely. Keep aside separately.

    Step 2.1: Dry-roast cumin and coriander seeds together until deep golden but not burnt
    Step 2.2: Dry-roast cumin and coriander seeds together until deep golden but not burnt

Cook the Mutton

  1. Step 1

    Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pot until it reaches smoking point.

  2. Step 2

    Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

    Step 3.1: Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown
    Step 3.2: Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown
  3. Step 3

    Add the mutton pieces along with the garlic-chilli paste. Sear on high heat until lightly browned.

    Step 3.1: Add the mutton pieces along with the garlic-chilli paste
    Step 3.2: Add the mutton pieces along with the garlic-chilli paste
  4. Step 4

    Add turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir and cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala. Add a splash of water if it sticks.

    Step 3.1: Add turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder
  5. Step 5

    Mix in whisked yogurt and kasuri methi. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.

    Step 3.1: Mix in whisked yogurt and kasuri methi
    Step 3.2: Mix in whisked yogurt and kasuri methi
  6. Step 6

    Pour in hot water, add salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the mutton is about 80% done. Stir occasionally and add hot water if needed to maintain a semi-thick consistency.

    Step 3.1: Pour in hot water, add salt, and bring to a gentle boil
  7. Step 7

    Stir in the roasted coconut-peanut mixture and garam masala.

    Step 3.1: Stir in the roasted coconut-peanut mixture and garam masala
  8. Step 8

    Continue cooking until the mutton is tender and the gravy thickens slightly.

    Step 3.1: Continue cooking until the mutton is tender and the gravy thickens slightly
  9. Step 9

    Add the coarsely ground cumin-coriander mix and chopped coriander leaves. Simmer for another 4-5 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

    Step 3.1: Add the coarsely ground cumin-coriander mix and chopped coriander leaves
    Step 3.2: Add the coarsely ground cumin-coriander mix and chopped coriander leaves
  10. Step 10

    Adjust salt or spice if needed. Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving.

  11. Step 11

    Serve Nagpuri Mutton Taula hot with steamed rice, soft naan, tandoori roti or parathas. Pair it with raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

    Step 3.1: Serve Nagpuri Mutton Taula hot with steamed rice, soft naan, tandoori roti or parathas

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

635.3kcal (31.77%)

Protein

37.9g (75.76%)

Carbs

18.0g (6.56%)

Sugars

2.7g (5.36%)

Healthy Fat

31.9g

Unhealthy Fat

9.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Slow cooking brings out the meat’s tenderness and depth of flavor.

  2. Desiccated coconut works fine if khopra isn’t available.

  3. Tweak the number of green chillies to your liking.

  4. If using smaller Indian garlic cloves, use 12–14 for balance.

  5. Pressure cook for convenience, but for the richest flavor, the slow-cooked version is unbeatable.

FAQS

  1. Can I use chicken instead of mutton?

    Yes, you can substitute mutton with chicken, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced as chicken cooks faster.

  2. What can I serve with Nagpuri Mutton Taula?

    It pairs well with steamed rice, naan, tandoori roti, or parathas. You can also serve it with raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

  3. Can I make this dish spicier?

    Yes, you can increase the number of green chillies or add more Kashmiri chilli powder to make it spicier.

  4. Can I use a pressure cooker for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use a pressure cooker for convenience, but slow cooking enhances the depth of flavors.

  5. What can I use if I don’t have khopra?

    You can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for khopra.

leenakohli's profile picture
instagram

Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩‍🍳✨

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia
Recipe Questions?