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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot

    Awadhi Mutton Korma Recipe (Lamb Korma)

    Published: Apr 1, 2019 || Last updated: Sep 6, 2020 by Farrukh Aziz

    1835 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Authentic Mutton Korma Recipe (Lamb Korma) is a traditional fragrant and rich Awadhi mutton dish cooked in brown onions, yogurt and nut based gravy.

    One of the finest royal mutton recipes loaded with rich Mughlai flavours to feast on together with your family.

    Here is how to make it step by step in an Instant pot and pressure cooker.

    Traditional Awadhi Mutton Korma or lamb korma in wooden bowl with saffron rice on the side

    Kebabs, kormas, biryanis are a section of lavish Awadhi cuisine since Mughal era. Lucknowi cuisine, especially, curries and qormas are basically a meat or chicken braised with spices, some nuts, browned onions and yogurt.

    They are mostly a mild preparation making a use of Kashmiri red chilies to get rich red colour but gentle on palate.

    About the recipe

    Traditional mutton korma or gosht korma is a rich Lucknowi stew of lamb or goat meat slow cooked in brown onions, nuts, spices, yogurt and aromatic essences like saffron and kewda (screw pine). 

    The aura of this korma is unique, rich, smooth, delicate and exceptional.

    Yogurt gives a beautiful velvety base, ground brown onions gives texture and gentle spices with nuts gives richness to this exceptional korma recipe.

    The prime ingredient that gives this royal mutton curry, a rich aromatic soul is kewra, also known as screw pine. And of course Saffron!

    Kewra is an immensely important element when we talk about the preparation of Awadhi or Mughlai recipes like Biryanis, Kormas and kababs.

    Traditionally, this shahi mutton korma recipe is prepared in copper handis over a charcoal fire. For a crunch of time, you can go ahead with pressure cooking.

    But if the time permits, I would highly recommend you to cook it in handi or pot on stove top, braising the meat in spices for hours until done.

    In our Muslim community, it is one of the top menu dish in weddings or celebrations in Northern India, especially in Lucknow. Very commonly referred to as shadi wala korma (korma made in weddings) in many homes.

    Best meat cut for korma

    Primarily, the best meat cut for the preparation of mutton korma is lamb or goat shoulder cut.

    Especially, when you are planning to make it traditionally in handi (pot) over stove top, I would highly recommend you to use this particular cut.

    Shoulder cut meat is soft in texture, succulent, delicious and cooks much faster than the raan or hind leg cut. Raan or hind leg cut is best for barbecues and kababs.

    However, you can choose to use hind leg cut for pressure cooker method.

    Personally, I always prefer using goat shoulder meat due to a reason that it gives a perfect taste, quality and appearance to the whole dish.

    Overhead shot of Mutton Korma or Lamb Korma in wooden bowl with saffron rice on the side.

    What ingredients goes in korma recipe?

    Meat - Goat or lamb on bone cut into medium sized pieces. You can also use beef cut to make this korma recipe. Avoid using too much of ribs or chops.

    Brown Onions or caramelised onions - As I always store brown onions or birista in bulk, the job gets easier for me. But, I am demonstrating below how to fry onions to make korma. Or you can also refer to this link to make birista in bulk and freeze.

    Yogurt - A well whisked full fat yogurt gives amazing velvety texture and taste to the dish. In order to avoid splitting of yogurt while cooking, you may add 1 teaspoon of cornflour.

    Spice Powders - Red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt

    Whole Spices - Cinnamon stick, green cardamom, peppercorns, cloves, nutmeg and mace

    Nuts and Seeds - Almonds or Cashew nuts and Poppy seeds.

    In most of Middle East region, poppy seeds are banned, hence the unavailability. In this case you can use melon seeds to make mutton korma.

    If you are allergic to cashews, then go on ahead with using almonds. Blanch and peel it, and then blend it with onions to make a paste.

    Kewra essence and Saffron soaked in milk

    Other ingredients - Ginger paste, garlic paste, oil and ghee

    Cool tips to make best korma

    As I have mentioned above, select the best fresh meat cut to make kormas.

    Brown onions are the base to any korma recipes. Be sure to fry them on medium heat to golden only to avoid it getting burnt. The burnt onions will lend bitter and bad flavours to the dish.

    Traditionally, korma is cooked in ghee only. But you can use oil or a mix of ghee and oil, both.

    Always sear the meat in ghee or oil, as it will lock the meat juices within and will give rich flavour to the curry.

    Avoid adding too much of water at a time, as the consistency of the dish it not watery or thin but a nice medium thick gravy. So 1 kg of meat should have 450 ml or max 2 cups of water for perfect consistency especially when cooking in pressure cooker.

    Always whisk the yogurt or curd very well before adding it to the masalas. This will avoid it getting split. However, even after whisking it well, if you are worried about its splitting, then add 1 teaspoon of cornflour and whisk it well. This way yogurt won't curdle at all.

    Authentic Awadhi Korma do not call for the addition of turmeric powder and green chilies. Hence avoid it if you want to relish the real Mughlai version of the korma dish.

    The mutton korma recipe can easily be made in pressure cooker, Slow Cooker as well as in Instant pot. Below you will find the step by step instructions for instant pot and pressure cooker method.

    Awadhi mutton korma curry served in traditional oval brass bowl with rice on the side.

    Some of the best mutton recipes you may want to try:

    Yakhni Pulao

    Mutton Vindaloo

    Mutton Biryani

    This preparation of Awadhi mutton curry is simple yet glamorous and aromatic. And yes, not only with Naans or sheermals, but you can call for parathas or even phulkas and Pulaos or Jeera Rice to brace up this lamb korma beautifully.

    When you have guest at your home, surprise them with this delectable rich preparation from Lucknow and enrich your spread to royal one. 

    Not only this mutton korma is our family favourite but the most popular Awadhi Mutton Yakhni Pulao is also our all time love.

    If you wish to make in a traditional manner, which I would highly recommend you, then follow the same steps to make it in handi or pot.

    Just that, cooking time will vary, which will be more in making traditional handi mutton korma than the pressure cooker method.

    Step by Step Recipe

    Preparation of korma masala

    To begin with, soak a pinch of saffron in 2-3 tablespoons of milk and keep it aside.

    Now, dry roast the 10-12 cashew nuts, 1 tsp poppy seeds, 5-6 green cardamom, 1.5 inch of cinnamon sticks, 2 black cardamoms, 6-8 cloves and 6-8 peppercorns.

    Then, in a pan, heat 5 tbsps of oil. Then, add 3 large finely sliced onion

    Fry them until golden brown and crisp. Do not over brown them as it might give the bitter to korma.

    Take the onions out onto a plate. You can use the remaining oil with ghee to make korma

    Once the brown onions are done, then in a blender, add all the dry roasted ingredients along with brown onions. Now, blend it to make a smooth paste. Set it aside.

    Step by step collage for the preparation of mutton korma recipe.
    Step by step collage for the preparation of mutton korma recipe.

    How to make korma in pressure cooker

     1. Heat the 5 tbsps ghee mixture, add 1 kg of mutton pieces and fry until they sear to nice golden brown.

    2. Once done, take the mutton pieces out and reserve.

     3. Now, add remaining 2 tbsp ghee, add 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste in the same handi and fry well for 2-3 minutes.

    4. Then ground masala onion paste, 1 tbsp coriander powder and ¾ tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, mix well.

    Step by step collage for the making of mutton korma recipe or lamb korma.

    5. Add 250 gms of whisked yogurt and stir until well blended.

    6. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until oil starts releasing out.

    7. Then add fried mutton pieces, salt and 450 ml water. Cover and pressure cook until mutton is just tender.

     8. Then, add saffron milk, mace powder, nutmeg powder, kewda essence and mix, cook for another 2 minutes

    Fragrant delicious Lucknowi Gosht Korma is ready to serve.

    Finally, garnish Awadhi mutton korma with some coriander leaves (optional) and serve hot with Nan, sheermal, paratha or Pulao of your choice.

    Step by step collage for the making of mutton korma recipe or lamb korma.

    Making Korma in Instant Pot

    1. Place the inner pot and switch on the IP. Press 'Sauté' mode and wait until it displays 'Hot'. Then heat 5 tbsps ghee. Add 1 kg mutton pieces and sear the meat on high for 2-3 minutes

    2. Take the seared meat out on to a plate and set aside.

    3. Add remaining 2 tbsp ghee in the pot. Then add 1 tbsp ginger and 1 tbsp garlic paste. Fry for 30 seconds on normal sauté mode. Stir to avoid it getting stuck at the bottom.

    4. Add brown onions masala paste, ¾ tbsp Kashmiri red chilli powder and 1 tbsp coriander powder. Stir and cook for minute. Add 2 tablespoons of water to scrape everything from the bottom

    Step by step collage for the making of mutton korma recipe in Instant Pot.

    5. Then, add 250 gms of whisked yogurt and stir immediately. Cook for 30 seconds

    6. Add seared meat, salt and 450 ml of water and mix.

    7. Close the lid of the pot with vent in sealing position, switch off the sauté mode and press manual/pressure cook mode. Set the timer to 18 minutes on 'High'and allow it to cook.

    8. Once the IP beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 6-7 minutes and then quick release.

    Step by step collage for the making of instant pot mutton korma recipe.

    Switch on the sauté mode on low, add saffron milk, nutmeg-mace powder and kewda, mix and cook for another 1 minute only. Instant Pot Awadhi Mutton Korma is ready to serve.

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    Traditional Awadhi Mutton Korma or lamb korma in wooden bowl with saffron rice on the side.
    4.94 from 16 votes
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    Mutton Korma Recipe

    Mutton korma is fragrant royal (shahi) preparation of slow cooked lamb/goat meat stew with nuts, spices, brown onions and yogurt. One of the best mutton recipes with stove top and Instant pot pressure cooker instructions step by step.
    Course Curries, Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Diet Gluten Free
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    IP Cooking Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 560kcal
    Author Farrukh Aziz

    Ingredients
     

    To make mutton korma we need:

    • 1 kg Lamb or Goat Meat ( (mutton on bone) cut in pieces.)
    • 3 Onions (large size, finely Sliced or ¾ cup of brown fried onions)
    • 250 gms Yogurt (whisked well)
    • 1 tbsp Coriander powder
    • 1 tbsp Ginger paste
    • 1 tbsp Garlic paste
    • ¾ tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
    • Few drops of Kewda essence
    • A pinch of saffron soaked in 3 tablespoons of warm milk
    • ¼ tsp Nutmeg powder
    • ¼ tsp Mace powder
    • 7 tbsp Ghee
    • 450 ml Water

    Whole spices to dry roast:

    • 1.5 inch Cinnamon stick
    • 4-5 Green cardamom
    • 6-8 Cloves
    • 6-8 Black peppercorn
    • 1 tsp Poppy seeds
    • 10 Almonds or Cashew Nuts
    • 2 Black cardamom
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    Instructions

    Preparation of korma masala

    • Soak a pinch of saffron in 2-3 tablespoons of milk and keep it aside. 
    • Dry roast the cashew nuts poppy seeds and whole spices
    • Heat 5 tbsps of oil in pan. Then, add 3 large finely sliced onion.
    • Fry them until golden brown and crisp. Do not over brown them as it might give the bitter to korma.
    • Take the onions out onto a plate. You can use the remaining oil with ghee to make korma
    • Once the brown onions are done, then in a blender, add all the dry roasted ingredients along with brown onions.
    • Now, blend it to make a smooth paste. Set it aside

    How to make mutton korma on stove top

    •  Now, heat 5 tbsp ghee in pressure cooker
    • Add mutton pieces and fry until they sear to nice golden brown.
    • Take the mutton pieces out and reserve.
    • Add remaining ghee in the same pressure cooker.
    • Now, add ginger paste and garlic paste and fry well for 2-3 minutes.
    • Then ground masala-onion paste, coriander powder and red chili powder, mix well.
    • Add whisked yogurt and stir until well blended.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes or until oil starts oozing out.
    • Then add fried mutton pieces, salt and 450 ml of water.
    • Cover and pressure cook until mutton is just tender. 
    • Then, add saffron milk, kewda essence, mace and nutmeg powder and mix. 
    • Fragrant mutton korma is ready to serve.

    How to make mutton korma in instant pot

    • Place the inner pot and switch on the IP.  
    • Press 'Sauté' mode and wait until it displays 'Hot'.
    • Heat 5 tbsp ghee. Add 1 kg mutton pieces and sear the meat on high for 2-3 minutes
    • Take the seared meat out on to a plate and set aside. Add remaining ghee in the pot.
    • Add ginger and garlic paste. Fry for 30 seconds on normal sauté mode. Stir to avoid it getting stuck at the bottom.
    • Add brown onions masala paste, red chilli powder and coriander powder. Stir and cook for minute.
    • Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to scrape everything from the bottom
    • Then, add whisked yogurt and stir immediately. Cook for 30 seconds
    • Add seared meat, salt and 450 ml of water and mix.
    • Close the lid of the pot with vent in sealing position. Switch of the sauté mode and press manual/pressure Cook mode. Set the timer to 18 minutes on 'High' and allow it to cook.
    • Once the IP beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 6-7 minutes and then quick release.
    • Switch on the sauté mode on low, add saffron milk, nutmeg-mace powder and kewda, mix and cook for another 1 minute only.
    • Instant Pot Awadhi Mutton Korma is ready to serve.

    Notes

    • Traditionally, korma recipe is made in copper handi, but we can make it in a instant pot and pressure cooker to save time.
    • You can make it in slow cooker also.
    • You can make mutton korma in oil instead of ghee or use a mix of oil and thee both.
    • 450 ml of water is enough too get perfect korma consistency. But of you feel its too thick for your taste., then you can add little more water to it. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 560kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 424mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 2.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag @cubesnjuliennes on Instagram and hashtag it #cubesnjuliennes!
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Yashwini Singh

      February 08, 2022 at 11:35 am

      Hi, thank you for sharing this recipe. I would like to know if it's possible for you to share the recipe for this mutton korma made in copper handi. I would like to try the authentic method without a pressure cooker or instant pot.

      Reply
    2. Areesha

      October 09, 2019 at 7:50 pm

      Can we make this receipe in chicken also ..plz reply

      Reply
      • Farrukh Aziz

        October 10, 2019 at 1:33 am

        Hi Areesha,
        yes you can make this recipe with chicken 🙂

        Reply
      • Rachna Uppal

        December 15, 2019 at 3:50 am

        Nice recipe.I tried it.All the members of my family loved this recipe.

        Reply
      • Madiha

        December 27, 2020 at 12:01 pm

        Hi this recipe turned out amazing. Though in gravies I am still a learner

        Reply
    3. ST

      May 23, 2019 at 8:40 pm

      Hi - We have the Duo Plus instant pot. Do we set the pressure cook level to normal when cooking for 18 minutes?

      Just bought mutton, will be making it tonight. All other ingredients were available at home. So excited to try, will update comments with my experience.

      Reply
      • Farrukh Aziz

        May 24, 2019 at 5:45 am

        Hi Sanjana,
        Pressure cook level has to be high for 18 minutes. Sorry, I forgot to mention in written about the pressure that it has to be 'High' though, it shows in the step by step image.
        Sure, do let me know how it turned out. 🙂

        Reply
        • ST

          May 24, 2019 at 7:03 pm

          Thank you. Will make toda and update.. We ended up making the Methi Chicken last night which was as all your recipes - Mind glowingly awesome!

          My parents make something similar, the korma but they add finely ground coconut paste and tomatoes in it and no yogurt. My husband prefers no coconut so we are eagerly looking forward to this one.

          Reply
          • Farrukh Aziz

            May 27, 2019 at 5:57 am

            Hi Sanjana,
            Thank you again, it feels really great to know that you love all my recipes and they come out great when made. I always make sure to give fool proof recipes after trying and testing them in my kitchen.:)

            Reply
    4. Amit Suri

      April 27, 2019 at 2:45 am

      Sounds amazing.
      Thanks for sharing your family traditions.

      Reply
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