Nagpuri Mutton Taula (Maharastrian Mutton Curry)

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...
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
mutton (curry cut)1kg
mustard oil1cup
onions, thinly sliced4
garlic6clove
green chillies4
turmeric powder1/2tsp
Kashmiri chilli powder1/2tbsp
coriander powder1tbsp
yogurt, whisked1cup
kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)1tbsp
hot water1cup- salt to taste
fresh coriander, chopped1/3cup
Spice Mix
dried coconut (khopra), sliced1/4cup
sesame seeds1tbsp
poppy seeds (khuskhus)1tbsp
raw peanuts1/4cup
garam masala1tsp
cumin seeds1tbsp
coriander seeds2tbsp
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
How to make Nagpuri Mutton Taula (Maharastrian Mutton Curry)
Make the Garlic-Chilli Paste
- Step 1
Grind garlic and green chillies into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or blender. Set aside.
Prepare the Spice Mix
- 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
In the same pan, roast the peanuts until golden. Once cool, rub between your palms to remove their skin.
- Step 3
Coarsely grind the roasted coconut, seeds, and peanuts together. Set aside.
- Step 4
Dry-roast cumin and coriander seeds together until deep golden but not burnt. Cool and grind coarsely. Keep aside separately.
Cook the Mutton
- Step 1
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed kadhai or pot until it reaches smoking point.
- Step 2
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Step 3
Add the mutton pieces along with the garlic-chilli paste. Sear on high heat until lightly browned.
- 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 5
Mix in whisked yogurt and kasuri methi. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
- 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 7
Stir in the roasted coconut-peanut mixture and garam masala.
- Step 8
Continue cooking until the mutton is tender and the gravy thickens slightly.
- 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 10
Adjust salt or spice if needed. Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for a few minutes before serving.
- 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.
Nutrition (per serving)
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
Slow cooking brings out the meat’s tenderness and depth of flavor.
Desiccated coconut works fine if khopra isn’t available.
Tweak the number of green chillies to your liking.
If using smaller Indian garlic cloves, use 12–14 for balance.
Pressure cook for convenience, but for the richest flavor, the slow-cooked version is unbeatable.
FAQS
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.
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.
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.
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.
What can I use if I don’t have khopra?
You can use desiccated coconut as a substitute for khopra.
Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
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