Mutton Curry - Durban (SA) style

Durban Curries, which are usually hotter, colored yellow and red like our other indian gravies. Curry was introduced to the colony of Natal over 150 years ago by indentured labors who came from India, to work in the sugar cane fields. The word 'Curry' comes from South India which means sauce. The array of tasty durban curries encompass many glorious dishes made from chicken, prawns, fish, beef and vegetables, but the most popular choice is lamb or mutton.  Here is recipe for you all to try.

Ingredients

• Mutton 500 gm
• Bay Leaf 1
• Fennel Seeds 1 tsp
• Cinnamon Sticks 3 small 
• Onion 1 large, chopped
• Curry Leaves 1 sprig
• Ginger - Garlic Paste 2 tsp
• Turmeric Powder 1/4 tsp
• Durban Curry Masala Powder 4 tbsp
• Potoatoes 6 nos, medium size
• Coriander Leaves few chopped
• Tomato 1 medium size, chopped
• Oil
• Salt
• Water

For the Durban Curry Masala Powder

• Coriander Seeds 1/2 cup
• Cumin Seeds 2 tbsp
• Fennel Seeds 3 tbsp
• Black Pepper Corns 1 tsp
• Mustard Seeds 1 tbsp
• Dry Red Chili 5 nos
• Fenugreek Seeds 1/4 tsp
• Curry Leaves 2 sprigs
• Turmeric Powder 2 tsp
• Ginger Powder 1 tsp
• Cinnamon 3 " stick 2 nos
• Cloves 10 nos

Heat a pan on medium low flame and dry roast all the ingredients one by one separately for 4 - 5 minutes or till aroma comes. Coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds will pop lightly when you roast them, so roast until the popping sound stops. I didnt roast the turmeric powder and ginger powder, simply added while grinding. Allow the mixture to cool for a while and then blend it to a fine powder. 

Please take care while roasting the masala, do not stir the spices frequently, just toss them gently. Store in a air tight container once it cool down and use whenever required. 

Method

Clean and rinse mutton pieces in water and drain well and keep it aside. 

Heat oil in a medium size heavy bottom sauce pan, once the oil is hot add bay leaf, fennel seeds and  cinnamon sticks and fry for few seconds. Add chopped onion and saute until the onion soft.  Reduce heat to low medium flame and add turmeric powder and durban curry masala powder and saute for few seconds, please take care do not burn the masala. Now add ginger garlic paste and saute for few seconds. Add  chopped tomatoes and saute for few seconds. Add mutton pieces and saute for 1 minute. Cover and cook for sometime or until meat begins to fry up. Add curry leaves and salt and combine well. Now add the water and potatoes bring to boil, turn down the heat to medium and cook until the meat is tender and potatoes are soft. Please stir in between. Simmer until ready to serve. Sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves and serve. Serve with warm rice or roti. 

NB: You can make this curry in the pressure cooker too, keep on high flame for 1 whistle then keep it in the low flame for 4 whistles then open and cook on low flame for few more minutes and serve. Enjoy cooking..