Punjabi mutton karahi is a mouthwatering curry loaded with tender lamb pieces simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy. But the classic recipe is quite high in carbohydrates, usually served with rice or breads. This poses a dilemma for those on the keto or low-carb diet. No need to worry!
This recipe recreates the iconic flavor of Punjabi karahi, but in a keto-friendly way using lower-carb alternatives. By choosing the right ingredients and making smart tweaks, we can now enjoy this irresistible curry while still keeping net carbs minimal. This recipe walks through how to make wonderfully flavorful keto Punjabi mutton karahi filled with spices like cumin, garlic, ginger and chili. Enjoy it over cauliflower rice for a satisfying low-carb meal!
Why We Love keto Punjabi Mutton Karahi Recipe?
- Rich, savory mutton flavor – The tender lamb pieces soaked in spices result in depth of flavor.
- Stays keto-friendly – Uses low-carb alternatives like cauli rice instead of high-carb rice or bread.
- Retains authentic Punjabi taste – All the signature spices like cumin, garlic, ginger still included.
- Easy customization – Adjust spice levels, meat and veggies to your preference.
- Versatile side options – Enjoy with cauliflower rice, radish fries, saag paneer, veggies.
- Comforting curry meal – Satisfies both keto macros and flavor cravings.
keto Punjabi Mutton Karahi Ingredients
- 1 kg mutton, cut into cubes
- 3 medium onions, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1⁄4 cup full fat yogurt
- 3 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 5 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnishing
How to Make keto Punjabi Mutton Karahi?
Follow these simple steps to make a delicious low-carb Punjabi mutton karahi.
Step 1 – Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Wash the mutton well and pat dry using kitchen towels. Chop onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and green chilies. Measure out all the dry spices and keep them ready by the stove.
Step 2 – Brown the Meat
Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan or kadhai. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Put in the mutton cubes and brown them well on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove mutton pieces from the pan and set aside.
Step 3 – Sauté Onions and Tomatoes
To the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Mix in garlic, ginger and green chilies. Sauté for another minute. Now add the chopped tomatoes and cook until tomatoes turn mushy and you see fat releasing from the sides.
Step 4 – Cook the Mutton
Add in the mutton pieces back into the pan. Sprinkle all the dry spices – coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala and turmeric. Sauté well to coat mutton pieces evenly with the masalas.
Step 5 – Simmer and Finish
Pour in yogurt combined with 1 cup water. Add salt to taste. Mix everything well and bring it to a boil. Cover and cook for 30-40 mins on low-medium flame until meat is very tender. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy keto Punjabi mutton karahi with cauliflower rice or roasted radish!
Tips for Making the Best keto-friendly Punjabi Mutton Karahi
- Choose good quality, fatty mutton cuts for the dish. Our favorite is mutton shoulder.
- Brown the mutton well before adding onions. This boosts flavor.
- Use full fat dairy like yogurt and real ghee or butter.
- Adjust spice levels as needed. Add more red chili for a spicier curry.
- Adding a tbsp of heavy cream makes the curry richer.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot right out of the pan.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer term.
What Goes Well with Keto Mutton Karahi?
Here are some delicious low-carb sides you can enjoy with Punjabi mutton karahi:
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is the perfect keto-friendly substitute for regular rice. Simply grate raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Saute with ghee, salt and spices.
Radish Fries
Thinly slice radishes and toss with oil, salt and spices like chaat masala. Roast in the oven until crispy. Radish fries make a flavorful accompaniment.
Saag Paneer
Make an easy saag with chopped spinach, full fat paneer cubes and seasonings like garlic and red chili powder. The combo of meaty curry + creamy spinach is amazing.
Kachumber Salad
A fresh onion tomato cucumber salad adds nice crunch and acidity to balance the rich curry. Simply toss chopped veggies with lime juice and cilantro.
Stir Fried Veggies
Quick-sauté an assortment of low carb veggies like zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms to round out the meal. Toss is garlic, chili and spice powders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Keto Punjabi Mutton Karahi Recipe unique?
The dish is renowned for its rich and robust flavors, owing to the slow cooking process and the perfect balance of spices.
Can I use lamb instead of mutton for this recipe?
Absolutely, the recipe can be adapted to use either lamb or mutton based on personal preference.
Is the Keto Punjabi Mutton Karahi Recipe high in protein?
Yes, mutton is a great source of protein, making this dish a nutritious addition to a keto diet.
What are the best accompaniments for this dish?
The Keto Punjabi Mutton Karahi pairs wonderfully with low-carb options such as cauliflower rice or keto-friendly naan.
Can this recipe be prepared in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes, the cooking time can be significantly reduced by using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, ensuring the meat is tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
This easy keto mutton karahi recipe proves you can still enjoy flavorful Indian curries on a low-carb diet. Mutton offers plenty of fats and proteins to keep you in ketosis. Additional toppings like cauli rice, radish fries and kachumber salad make it a complete keto meal. Adjust heat and spice levels to your taste. Share this Instant Pot or stove-top recipe with friends and family!
