Mutton special from Mom

150g chana dal
200g toor dal
700ml water
400g mutton, chopped into bite-sized pieces
40g tamarind paste mixed with 350ml water and strained
¾ tsp turmeric powder
2 red chillies
3 green chillies
3 stalks curry leaves
2 onions, quartered
1 tomato, quartered
6 tbsp oil Spices (A)
6 cardamoms, smashed
5cm cinnamon stick
5 cloves
2 tbsp chilli paste
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp pounded garlic Spices (B)
3 cloves garlic, crushed
6 dried red chillies, cut into half
½ tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp garam masala
2 tbsp meat curry powder Seasoning
1 tsp salt
A little sugar to taste
½ tsp pepper

MethodSoak the two dals separately overnight. The next day, drain and put dal, salt, turmeric powder, green chillies and 1 stalk curry leaves in a pot. Add 700ml water and cook until dal is soft. Remove, leave to cool slightly then process in a food processor on pulse for 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside. Heat oil in a pot and fry onions for a while. Put in spices (A) and (B) and remaining curry leaves. Fry until aromatic. Add mutton, tomato and red chilli. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Pour in the pureed dal and the stock. Add tamarind juice. Bring to the boil then simmer covered until mutton is cooked and tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.

amybeth