Mutton Varuval (Malaysian Indian-Style Goat Curry)

A showstopper dish at Diwali gatherings, this goat curry melds a myriad of spices evoking Malaysian and Indian flavors.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 3 hr
• Calories: 206 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 whole star anise pods
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
• 4 cardamom pods
• 2 small red onions, quartered
• 2 pounds goat stew meat, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, divided
• 2 tablespoons curry leaves, divided
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1.5 teaspoons curry powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
• 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Season goat meat with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and black pepper.

Step 2

Place red onions in a blender; grind into a smooth paste.

Step 3

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cinnamon stick, star anise, and cardamom pods; cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add fennel and cloves; cook and stir for 30 seconds. Add remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon curry leaves; stir in the onion paste. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir curry mixture for 5 minutes; add ginger-garlic paste and continue cooking until flavors meld, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Stir diced tomato into the curry mixture. Cook and stir until mushy, about 4 minutes. Add the seasoned goat meat; cook until browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Transfer goat curry to a slow cooker; cook on High until meat is tender, 2 to 3 hours.

Step 5

Heat 1 teaspoon coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir the remaining 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, and paprika until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add a few cups of the curry from the slow cooker; heat until oil rises to the top. Add remaining 1 tablespoon curry leaves and cilantro; cook until gravy thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour back into the slow cooker and blend well.