Melt-in-Your-Mouth Baked Mutton Chops

Ingredients

• 10 mutton chops (cleaned and trimmed)
• 1 cup yogurt (plain)
• 2.5 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola oil)
• 2.5 tbsp tikka masala (spice blend)
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (divided for marinade and butter glaze)
• 1.5 tsp chili flakes (divided for marinade and butter glaze)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp crushed black pepper (divided for marinade and butter glaze)
• 1 bulb garlic (blended with ginger and green chilies)
• 1 medium piece ginger (blended with garlic and green chilies)
• 4 green chilies (blended with garlic and ginger)
• 3 lemons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• fresh coriander (chopped, divided for marinade and butter glaze)
• 2 tbsp butter (melted, for finishing glaze)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the aromatics by blending one whole bulb of garlic, one medium piece of ginger, and four green chilies into a smooth paste.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mutton chops with 1 cup yogurt, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, 2-3 tablespoons of tikka masala, 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper, the prepared garlic-ginger-chili paste, the juice of 3 lemons, and a handful of chopped fresh coriander.

3. 3

   Mix thoroughly to ensure every chop is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.

4. 4

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

5. 5

   Arrange the marinated chops in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour until the meat is tender.

6. 6

   Switch the oven to the broil setting and cook for a few additional minutes until the chops are lightly charred and caramelized on the surface.

7. 7

   While the chops are hot, prepare the finishing glaze by mixing melted butter with a pinch of Kashmiri chili powder, chili flakes, crushed black pepper, and fresh chopped coriander.

8. 8

   Brush the spiced butter mixture generously over the hot chops and serve immediately.

Notes

For the most tender results, marinate the mutton overnight. If the chops are very thick, you may need to extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes before broiling.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• mutton
• baked
• spicy
• dinner
• meat
• South Asian cuisine