Elu Mus

Elu Mus Recipe - Traditional Sri Lankan Mutton Curry

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Elu Mus is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made with tender mutton cooked in a flavorful coconut milk gravy. This dish is rich in spices and has a creamy texture that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

History

Elu Mus has been a popular dish in Sri Lankan cuisine for generations. It is often served at special occasions and family gatherings, showcasing the rich flavors and aromatic spices that are characteristic of the region's culinary traditions.

Ingredients

900 g mutton
50 ml vinegar
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
4 slices ginger
50 ml oil
0.5 tsp chile powder
2 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp turmeric
0.25 tsp black pepper
3 tsp coriander
1 tsp cumin
0.25 tsp fenugreek
curry leaf sprigs
500 ml coconut milk
0.25 tsp curry powder
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

Cut the mutton into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
Pour the vinegar over the mutton and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Chop the onion, then grind it with the garlic and ginger using a pestle and mortar.
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture.
Add the chili powder, paprika powder, turmeric, black pepper, coriander powder, cumin powder, fenugreek, and curry leaves. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Drain and remove the mutton from the marinade, then add it to the pan.
Fry for 5 minutes, then pour in the coconut milk along with the marinade. Bring it to a boil.
Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until the mutton is cooked.
Just before serving, sprinkle with curry powder and add salt to taste.

Variations

For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder and black pepper.
Add vegetables like potatoes or carrots to make the dish more hearty and nutritious.
Substitute mutton with chicken or beef for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the mutton in vinegar helps to tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor to the dish.

- Grinding the onion, garlic, and ginger together creates a flavorful base for the curry.

- Be sure to fry the spices in oil before adding the mutton to enhance their flavors.

- Simmering the curry slowly allows the mutton to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the coconut milk gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Elu Mus is traditionally served with steamed rice or roti for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed with a side of sambal or pickles for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the mutton in vinegar helps to tenderize the meat.

- Grinding the onion, garlic, and ginger together creates a flavorful base for the curry.

- Simmering the curry slowly allows the mutton to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the coconut milk gravy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef instead of mutton in this recipe.

- If you don't have curry leaves, you can substitute with bay leaves for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Elu Mus can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will develop even more if left to sit for a few hours or overnight.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Elu Mus with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a pop of color and added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Elu Mus pairs well with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Elu Mus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Elu Mus is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Contains coconut milk. May contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Elu Mus is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal option.

Summary

Elu Mus is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the bold flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. With a rich coconut milk gravy and tender mutton, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend in a small village in Kerala, India. We were sitting in her cozy kitchen, sipping on cups of steaming chai, when she suddenly jumped up and disappeared into a cupboard.

She emerged a few moments later, holding a dusty old recipe book in her hands. "I have something to show you," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She opened the book to a page that was yellowed with age, and pointed to a recipe for Elu Mus.

"This is a traditional recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations," she explained. "It's a dish that is made for special occasions, as it requires a lot of time and effort to prepare. But the end result is always worth it."

I watched as she gathered the ingredients and began to cook, the scent of spices filling the air. I was mesmerized by the way she moved around the kitchen with such grace and confidence, each step of the recipe ingrained in her memory.

As the dish slowly simmered on the stove, my friend told me the story behind the recipe. She explained how her grandmother had learned to make Elu Mus from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a dish that had been a staple at family gatherings and celebrations for as long as anyone could remember.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, and when it was finally ready, we sat down at the table to enjoy it together. The flavors were rich and complex, the meat tender and succulent. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

My friend graciously shared the recipe with me, and I made sure to write down every detail. I knew that this was a dish that I wanted to pass down to future generations of my own family, just as it had been passed down to me.

When I returned home, I set to work in my own kitchen, following the recipe with care and attention to detail. It took me several attempts to get it just right, but with each batch, I could feel myself getting closer to mastering the dish.

I experimented with different spices and cooking techniques, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. And finally, after much trial and error, I was able to recreate the flavors of that first unforgettable meal in my friend's kitchen.

I made Elu Mus for my family, and they were blown away by the dish. They couldn't believe that I had managed to make something so delicious and complex. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned to make this special recipe, and that I could now share it with my loved ones.

As the years went by, Elu Mus became a beloved dish in our family. It was always requested for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. And each time I made it, I thought back to that summer day in Kerala, and the special moment when I had first discovered the recipe.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I do. I hope that they will remember the story behind the dish, and the love and care that went into learning how to make it.

For me, Elu Mus will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the bond between friends, the joy of discovering new flavors, and the importance of keeping family traditions alive. And I am grateful for the moment when I found this recipe, and all the memories that have come with it.