Craving something rich, spicy, and a little bit daring?
Dive into Mutton Brain Masala, where tender lamb brain meets bold Indian spices in a velvety gravy that melts on your tongue. Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, this dish is as nourishing as it is decadent. Serve it over steaming rice or alongside flatbreads for a truly unforgettable meal.
A Delicacy with Deep Roots
In many South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, organ meats like brain (bheja) have long been prized for their creamy texture and robust flavor. Traditionally enjoyed at festive gatherings or as a celebratory dish, Mutton Brain Masala blends simple ingredients into a luxurious curry that highlights nose‑to‑tail eating and honors culinary heritage.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Silky Texture: Mutton brain’s natural creaminess turns any curry into a luscious, gravy‑coating experience.
- Bold Spice Blend: Turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili, and pepper powders layer heat and warmth without overpowering.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Brain is rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and protein—making this both indulgent and nourishing.
- Quick to Prep: A brief parboil and de‑veining, then straight into the masala—ready in under an hour.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Mutton Brain: The star ingredient—delicate, creamy, and ready to absorb every spice note.
- Onions & Tomatoes: Form the aromatic base; onions caramelize for sweetness, tomatoes break down into a tangy gravy.
- Green Chilies & Ginger‑Garlic Paste: Deliver fresh heat and pungency.
- Turmeric, Coriander & Cumin Powders: Earthy foundation spices.
- Chili & Pepper Powders: Two levels of heat—red chili for color and warmth, black pepper for sharp bite.
- Coriander Leaves: Bright herbal garnish that lifts the rich curry.
- Oil & Salt: Essentials for sautéing and seasoning.
- Water: Adjusts gravy consistency.
Step-by-Step Flavor Journey
- Parboil & De‑Vein: Bring water to a boil with salt and turmeric. Submerge the brains for 5 minutes—this firms them up and makes de‑veining easy. Remove, peel away membranes, chop into bite‑sized pieces, and set aside.
- Build Your Masala: In a hot pan, warm oil and sauté onions until golden. Stir in ginger‑garlic paste and sliced green chilies, cooking until aromatic. Add chopped tomatoes, letting them break down into a soft, saucy base.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili, and salt. Stir until the oil separates at the edges—your masala is now vibrant and fragrant.
- Finish with the Brain: Gently fold in the chopped brain pieces, coating each morsel in the spicy gravy. Pour in enough water to achieve your desired consistency, then simmer until the curry thickens and the brain soaks up those spices.
- Final Touch: Off the heat, stir in pepper powder and chopped coriander leaves for fresh heat and herbal brightness.
💡Pro Tip: Boil the brain first to firm it up for easy handling. Add it only after the masala is ready to lock in flavor without breaking it apart.
What Goes Along
- Steamed Basmati Rice: A neutral bed to soak up every drop of that creamy masala.
- Butter Roti or Naan: Tear and scoop to experience the full velvetiness.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt side to balance the curry’s warmth.
How to Serve
Ladle piping‑hot Mutton Brain Masala into a shallow serving dish. Garnish with extra coriander leaves and a few green chili rings. Serve immediately alongside rice or breads, and encourage diners to dig in with spoons or torn flatbreads for maximum flavor.
Packing & Make‑Ahead
- Prep Ahead: De‑vein the brains and make the masala base up to 24 hours ahead; store separately in the fridge. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight container for up to 2 days—reheat gently on low to preserve texture.
Party & Bulk Prep
For larger gatherings, double or triple everything, but use multiple pans to avoid overcrowding—this ensures even cooking and prevents steaming. Keep the curry warm in a slow cooker on “warm” so guests can help themselves.
Ready to elevate your next meal? Mutton Brain Masala delivers creamy indulgence, bold spices, and a taste of tradition—all in one unforgettable dish.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out!
Mutton Brain Masala
Description
This mutton brain masala, also known as bheja fry, is a bold and flavorful Indian dish made with tender mutton brains simmered in a rich, spicy masala. The brains are first lightly boiled and cleaned, then gently cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices until they soak up all the goodness. Creamy in texture and packed with flavor, this dish pairs perfectly with hot rotis or steamed rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep Work
-
De‑vein mutton brains
After boiling, gently peel away membranes and veins
-
Chop de‑veined brains
Cut each brain into bite‑sized pieces
-
Slice onions
Peel and thinly slice until uniform rings -
Chop tomatoes
Dice into small chunks -
Slit green chilies
Make a lengthwise cut, keeping seeds for extra heat
Method
-
Boil brains
In a pot of salted, turmeric‑spiked water, simmer brains for 5 minutes then drain
-
Sauté onions
Heat half the oil; cook onions until golden brown -
Add aromatics
Toss in curry leaves, ginger garlic paste and green chilies; stir until fragrant
-
Cook tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes; stir until oil starts to separate -
Spice it up
Stir in turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder and salt; cook until spices bloom in oil -
Add brain pieces
Gently fold in chopped brains; coat well with masala
-
Simmer
Pour in enough water to reach desired gravy consistency; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Check for the seasoning and adjust if needed.
-
Finish seasoning
Stir in pepper powder and chopped coriander; drizzle remaining oil before turning off heat -
Serve hot
Transfer to a serving dish; garnish with extra coriander if you like
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Cholesterol 450mg150%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Protein 15g30%
- Vitamin A 300 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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