This Kerala Style Mutton Stew or Ishtu has simple whole spices enhancing the flavour and a mild coconut milk broth. This stew is like a warm hug in a bowl.
1 kgMutton or Lamb2.2 pounds (shoulder cut into 2 inch pieces)
1teaspoonTurmeric
1teaspoonGinger Paste
1teaspoonSalt
1 ½cupsWater
For the Stew
1 ½tablespoonCoconut Oil
3-4Cloveswhole
3Cardamom pods
1inchCinnamon Stick
2Green Chillies
2sprigsCurry Leaves
1largeOnionthickly sliced
1tablespoonGingerfinely chopped
1largeCarrotdiced
2mediumPotatoespeeled and halved
8Green Beanscut into 1 inch pieces
1teaspoonSalt
1 ½teaspoonsground Black Pepper
1 cup thin Coconut Milk
½cupthick Coconut Milk
Instructions
Mix together mutton, turmeric, ginger paste, salt and marinate for 30 minutes
Pressure cook the mutton till its 90% done. This will take 4-5 whistles if using a traditional pressure cooker or 20 minutes in the Instant Pot. Set aside once cooked and reserve all the stock.
Heat coconut oil in a large pot or dutch oven and add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, green chillies and curry leaves. Saute for a minute or two till fragrant. Add onions and saute for two more minutes.
Add carrots, potatoes, beans, cooked mutton and stock, salt, pepper and thin coconut milk. Add a little more water if necessary. Bring this to a boil and cover and cook for 15-20 minutes till the meat and vegetables are fork tender. Stir in the thin coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Mutton or Lamb: Mutton refers to goat meat and lamb comes from sheep. They can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
Cut of Meat: The best cut of meat for stew comes from the shoulder. Make sure you have enough bone when you buy the meat because bone adds flavour
Vegetables: You can choose your favourite veggies to use in this recipe. We love the combination of carrots, beans, onions and potatoes. I wouldn't recommend strong flavoured vegetables such as broccoli or brussel sprouts here which will overpower the dish
Coconut Milk: If you are making coconut milk at home, the first extract is the thick coconut milk and the second and third extracts are thin coconut milk. If you are using storebought coconut milk or cream, you can thin it out by diluting it with water. You can combine 50 ml coconut milk with 200 ml water. This ratio can be adjusted according to your taste!
Consistency: Add more coconut milk, stock or water to adjust the consistency