It’s Sunday morning and I’m in Kolkata! Nothing could be better than this I guess especially after 6 months of not visiting home! It’s almost 9 o’clock and I am still in the bed with a mug full of black coffee and “Anandabazar Patrika” since at my native place Pasta (my daughter) is not my responsibility. She has a houseful of Dadu/ Dida/ Mamu/ Mimi/Didi/ Dada to taking care of. Suddenly I heard a conversation between my Ma and Baba! Ma- “you are not allowed to take mutton! Don’t you know it?” Baba – “Dolon (me) is here and I’m going to have Kosha Mangsho today and she’s going to prepare it for me! So please shut your mouth” A minute of silence then!
What’s next!!! Nothing but a big bowl full of Kosha Mangsho ( by ignoring Doctor’s advice) for dinner! Who am I to not to obey Dad’s wish for the slow-cooked mutton delicacy! I took my time, I organized everything in the kitchen and then I cooked; in fact, slow cooked. I used a typical Iron pan to make it so that the Kosha Mangsho will have the blackish color! I found Maa watching me; probably she was checking whether her daughter is capable of getting the perfect color or not!
Kosha Mangsho is a popular Bengali Mutton recipe, though the Chicken version is equally popular. My father prefers his bowl of Kosha Mangsho with a bit extra gravy (though the traditional version is a bit thicker in texture) and that too prepared by me. He at times, forgot that I learned it from his wife only! Needless to say, Kosha Mangsho is a signature semi-dry Bengali Mutton preparation. Apart from Kosha Mangsho, Kochi Pathar Jhol is an equally popular Bengali Mutton dish.
- Mutton: 1 Kg with fat (preferably Rewazi Khashi)
- Grated Raw Papaya: 1 Cup
- Onion Paste: 8
- Garlic Paste: 3 tbsp.
- Ginger Paste: 1.5 tbsp.
- Sour Curd: 200 g.
- Cumin Powder: 2 Tsp.
- Coriander Powder: 3 Tsp.
- Bengali Garam Masala Powder: 2 Tsp.
- Asafoetida / Hing: ½ Tsp.
- Red Chili Powder: 2 Tsp.
- Kashmiri Chili Powder: 1 Tsp.
- Turmeric Powder: 3 Tsp.
- Sugar: 1 Tbsp.
- Bay Leave: 2
- Dry Red Chili: 2
- Clove: 3-4
- Black Cardamom: 1-2
- Green Cardamom: 3-4
- Cinnamon Stick: 1"
- Mustard Oil: 4 Tbsp.
- Ghee / Clarified Butter: 1 Tbsp.
- Wash Mutton pieces thoroughly and pat dry them.
- Now, marinate Mutton pieces with Grated Raw Papaya, 1 tsp each of Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder and Garam Masala Powder, 1 Tbsp. Mustard oil and 1 Tsp. of Garlic Paste for around 6-8 hours.
- Finely chop half of the Onion and make a paste of the rest.
- Take 3 Tbsp. of Mustard oil in a deep bottom pan and heat the oil sufficiently.
- Temper the oil with Bay leaves, Dry Red Chillies and Hing and then add 1 Tbsp. of Sugar and cook until the sugar dissolve and caramelized.
- Now Add Onion paste and chopped onion and cook until the onion turns brownish in color.
- Now add Ginger and garlic paste and cook for another 4-5 minute in medium flame until oil separates.
- Add rest of the Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder and chili powders and cook for one more minute.
- Add Sour curd and cook on medium flame till oil separates from the mixture.
- Separate Mutton pieces from the Marinade mix and add them to the spice mix and start cooking in medium flame.
- Next step is known as “Koshano” in Bengali which means cooking on high flame without adding water and it requires frequent mixing.
- Cook for at least 4-7 minutes in high flame and stir frequently.
- Now add the Marinade mix to the mutton and cook on medium flame and stir frequently until the oil separates.
- Check the gravy for Salt and other spices and if require adjust spices accordingly.
- Cook on low flame for around 45 minutes.
- No need to add water separately as Mutton will release water.
- Cook till the mutton soften but remain in shape.
- Add Ghee and Bengali Garam Masala Powder and cook for another 1-2 minutes and switch the flame off.
- Kosha Mangsho is Ready to Serve.
You can use a pressure cooker to make the Kosha Mangsho as well to avoid extra time required for cooking. However, cooking over Iron pan, given, the desired color to Kasha Mansho.
To Serve Kosha Mangsho!
Heavenly Kosha Mangsho can be served with Roti, Pulao, Ghee Bhat, and Plain Rice or with Basanti Pulao. However, I love my bowl of Kosha Mangsho with Bread!
*Pictures updated in 2017!
Have you tried the Kosha Mangsho Recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
Do let me know how it came out. Also, I would love to see a picture of the same which you can share here on dolonchttrj@gmail.com or in Instagram you can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar or can tag me at @foodofdebjani.
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