Indian Mutton Curries And Mocktails: 5 Drink Pairings With Regional Recipes
Indian cuisine is a culinary tradition with very deep and diverse roots such that every region has its own, distinct history of food cultures and flavours influenced by the geography and the produce which is available in these territories.
One of the delicacies that is prepared across the Indian subcontinent is a succulent mutton curry. And as with a lot of other curries and stews, the classic mutton curry is also inspired by different regional flavours, leading to a number of different mutton recipes complete with these regional nuances.
Such perfectly cooked, tender pieces of mutton, coated in thick and creamy gravies, served with rice, naan or roti can be paired with different non-alcoholic blends or mocktails which act as fresh accompaniments that tone down the more potent and earthy notes in the classic recipes. Mutton curries served with a side of mocktails can then form a full-bodied, flavourful meal served at luncheon or dinner parties.
Read on below to know more about some of the Indian regional mutton curries that are prepared by infusing them with local flavours and the mocktail pairings which compliment these robust tasting notes:
Rajasthani Laal Maas And Mint Shikanji
One of the more famous mutton recipes hailing from Indian territories, the Rajasthani laal maas is known for its bright red hue which comes through the chillies used for preparing the mutton masala. Undoubtedly, laal maas is very spicy, it is infused with a lot of umami and earthy notes of the different aromatics and spices added to the recipe. Such a succulent and rustic mutton curry can be paired with a cooling mint shikanji whose sharp, citrusy notes undercut some of the more pronounced spiciness of the dish.
Kashmiri Rogan Josh And Saffron Almond Milk Cooler
A mutton delicacy with origins in the northern parts of the country, Kashmiri rogan josh consists of soft, well-cooked pieces of meat immersed in an aromatic curry that is finished off with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and bay leaves. Pair this classic Kashmiri curry with a saffron and almond milk cooler whose creamy and rich notes echo the exquisite taste of the rogan josh, while acting as a dense contrast to the mildly spicy mutton gravy.
Hyderabadi Dum Gosht And Rose Lemonade Fizz
Prepared in nutty, slow-cooked masalas and the rich flavours of numerous spices, the Hyderabadi dum gosht is filled with the flavours of deep-fried onions and yogurt which lend the dish its distinct creaminess. Meat is cooked in a fragrant charcoal smoke to infuse the signature ‘dum’ into the curry,infusing it with a luxurious finish. This mutton curry can be paired with the equally exquisite rose and lemonade fizz, whose floral and citrusy taste cuts through the more robust notes of the mutton curry, providing a sharp flavour contrast.
Kerala Mutton Stew And Tender Coconut-Kaffir Lime Water
Ishtu, or Kerala mutton stew is a regional delicacy with origins in the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is brought together with the addition of coconuts and curry leaves, which lend the dish a creamy and peppery quality. This mildly spicy mutton curry can be paired with the nutty notes of tender coconut water infused with a hint of kaffir lime for its acidity.
Bengali Kosha Mangsho And Pineapple Chilli Cooler
Mutton kosha or kosha mangsho is a thoroughly well-known mutton recipe popular for its slow-braised mutton and dark and caramelised gravy that is complete with rather potent, sweet and spicy flavours. Pair mutton kosha with a tropical pineapple and chilli cooler that brings together sweet, tangy and spicy notes in a similar blend of contrasting flavours. With this, the mocktail infuses a fruity flavour break in the otherwise earthy and mildly spicy tasting notes of the gravy.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
