1. Prepare the Mutton Liver
- Thoroughly rinse the mutton liver under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Pat dry with a paper towel and set aside.
2. Heat the Oil and Sauté Spices
- Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai until it starts to smoke slightly, then lower the heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Cook the Masala
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the spices for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the Mutton Liver
- Add the mutton liver pieces to the pan, stirring well to coat them with the masala.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Liver cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking as it can turn tough and rubbery.
5. Finish with Spices
- Once the liver is cooked and tender, reduce the heat and sprinkle garam masala powder and black pepper powder.
- Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices infuse.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the curry and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcook the Liver:
Mutton liver cooks fast, usually within 10 minutes. Overcooking will make it tough, so keep an eye on it.
2. Clean the Liver Thoroughly:
Cleaning the liver well is essential to remove any bitterness. Some people soak the liver in milk for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its taste and tenderness.
3. Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your preference. You can also add a bit more black pepper for extra heat.
4. Rest the Dish Before Serving:
Let the liver curry rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
Conclusion
Mutton liver curry, or Kaleji Masala, is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the rich, earthy taste of liver with a spicy and aromatic gravy. Whether you’re looking for a quick, nutritious meal or a dish to impress at a dinner gathering, this recipe is perfect for both occasions. The tender liver pieces and deeply spiced masala make it a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. Pair it with your favorite flatbread or rice, and indulge in a traditional, wholesome meal.