Mutton Do Pyaza: A Hearty Indian Mutton Dish with Double Onions

Ingredients

500 grams of mutton, cut into pieces
4 large onions, finely chopped
2 large onions, cut into cubes
2 tbsp of ginger-garlic paste
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 green chillies, slit
2 tsp of red chilli powder
1 tsp of turmeric powder
2 tsp of coriander powder
1 tsp of garam masala powder
4 tbsp of vegetable oil
Salt to taste
2 tbsp of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped for garnishing

Steps and instructions

Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and fry for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add the finely chopped tomatoes, green chillies, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the spices are well-blended.
Add the mutton pieces to the pan and stir well to coat them in the spice mixture. Cook until the mutton is browned on all sides.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mutton cook until it is tender and fully cooked through. This can take up to 1 hour. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the mutton from sticking to the pan.
While the mutton is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the cubed onions and sauté until they are slightly golden and crispy.
Add the cooked mutton and its gravy to the pan with the onions. Stir well to combine.
Add the garam masala powder and salt to taste. Stir well again and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
Garnish the Mutton Do Pyaza with the chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting Board - Used for chopping onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Knife - Essential for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Pan - Required for cooking the mutton and sautéing the onions.
Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping the mutton pieces.
Measuring Spoons - Needed to accurately measure the spices.
Tongs - Helpful for handling and turning the mutton pieces while cooking.
Cover - Used to cover the pan while the mutton is simmering.
Separate Pan - Required for sautéing the cubed onions separately.
Stove - Needed for cooking the recipe.
Bowls - Used for serving the Mutton Do Pyaza.

Recipe variations

Chicken Do Pyaza: Substitute chicken for mutton and follow the same recipe.
Vegetable Do Pyaza: Replace the meat with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, and potatoes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Paneer Do Pyaza: Replace the meat with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and follow the same recipe.
Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of red chilli powder or add some chopped green chillies for an extra kick of spice.
Richer Gravy: Add a tablespoon of cashew paste or cream to the gravy for a creamier and richer texture.
Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Extra Veggies: Add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or cauliflower for added texture and nutritional value.
Sweet and Tangy Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of tamarind paste or a squeeze of lemon juice to give the dish a sweet and tangy flavor.
Coconut Variation: Add coconut milk or grated coconut towards the end of cooking for a coconut-infused twist.
Smoky Flavor: If you have a charcoal grill, you can give the dish a smoky flavor by placing a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl within the pan and pouring a few drops of ghee or oil on it. Cover the pan immediately to let the dish absorb the smoky aroma.

Recipe overview

Mutton Do Pyaza is a classic Indian dish, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Translating to "Mutton with double onions", this dish is characterized by the generous use of onions, both finely chopped and cubed. The onions are both stewed with the mutton to form a flavorful gravy, and sautéed separately to add a unique texture to the dish. Combined with a blend of aromatic spices and tender mutton, this dish is a delightful treat for your taste buds. The recipe involves two main steps: first, a slow cooking process to ensure the mutton is tender and flavorful; and second, a quick sauté of cubed onions to add a contrasting texture. The result is an incredibly savory dish that's perfect for a special dinner or a festive occasion. Pair Mutton Do Pyaza with warm naan or rice for a complete meal. Embark on this culinary adventure to bring a taste of India into your kitchen.

Common questions

How long does it take to cook the mutton?
It can take up to 1 hour to cook the mutton until it is tender and fully cooked through.
Can I use any other meat instead of mutton?
Yes, you can use other meats like chicken or beef as a substitute for mutton in this recipe.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the mutton with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or mixed vegetables to make a delicious vegetarian version of Do Pyaza.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies according to your taste preferences. Add more for spicier taste or reduce for milder flavor.
What can I serve with Mutton Do Pyaza?
Mutton Do Pyaza pairs well with plain rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of raita (yogurt-based side dish) and salad.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and reheat it when needed. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cooking pan - A large, deep pan for cooking the mutton and spices.
Frying pan - A separate pan for frying the cubed onions to be added as garnish.
Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the mutton and onions.
Knife - For chopping the onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Cutting board - To provide a surface for chopping ingredients.
Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the spices.
Tongs - Handy for handling the mutton pieces while cooking.
Lid - A lid to cover the pan while the mutton simmers and cooks.
Serving platter - A dish or platter for presenting the Mutton Do Pyaza.
Spoons - For serving the dish onto individual plates or bowls.

Origin stories

Mutton Do Pyaza, a popular dish from the Indian subcontinent, carries an interesting anecdote in its name. "Do Pyaza" literally translates to "two onions" in English, which has led to much speculation and curiosity about the dish's origins. The dish is believed to have been created by a courtier in the Mughal Emperor Akbar's court named Mullah Do Piaza. It's said that he accidentally added a large quantity of onions to a dish. The dish was a hit, and thus, Mutton Do Pyaza was born. This formula, of using onions at two stages during cooking, has been adapted and used in various dishes in Indian cuisine, bringing a rich and aromatic flavor. It stands today as a testament to the accidental discoveries that can lead to classic recipes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.