Mudhi Mansa Recipe-Iconic Identity Of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

Mudhi Mansa, a delectable dish from the heartland of Odisha, combines succulent mutton with crispy puffed rice to create a symphony of flavors. The tender meat, marinated and cooked with aromatic spices, blends harmoniously with the tangy tomato base, infusing each bite with a delightful balance of savory and tangy notes. The puffed rice absorbs the essence of the curry, adding a satisfying crunch and unique texture. With its warm and inviting aroma, Mudhi Mansa beckons you to savor the rich heritage and culinary delights of Odisha. Whether enjoyed with steamed rice or as a street food snack, this dish is a true celebration of taste, bringing joy and satisfaction to every bite.

Here’s a recipe to prepare Mudhi Mansa:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams mutton, cut into pieces
• 2 cups puffed rice (mudhi)
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Cooking oil

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a large pan or pressure cooker. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
3. Add the mutton pieces to the pan and cook them on medium-high heat until they are browned on all sides.
4. Reduce the heat and add the tomato puree to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Add this mixture to the pan and mix well.
6. Add salt to taste and stir the ingredients together. Continue to cook for a few minutes, allowing the spices to coat the mutton pieces.
7. If using a pressure cooker, add enough water to cover the mutton, close the lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the mutton is tender. If using a regular pan, add water and cook covered on low heat until the mutton becomes tender (this may take longer).
8. Once the mutton is cooked, check the consistency of the gravy. If it is too thick, add some water to adjust.
9. Just before serving, add the puffed rice (mudhi) to the mutton curry and mix gently. The puffed rice will absorb some of the flavors from the curry.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Mudhi Mansa is typically served hot with steamed rice or as a street food snack with additional puffed rice on the side.

Expert Tips

Here are some expert tips to enhance your Mudhi Mansa recipe:

1. Marinate the mutton: For more flavorful and tender meat, marinate the mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This will help infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat.
2. Use fresh and quality ingredients: Opt for fresh and good quality mutton, onions, tomatoes, and spices to ensure the best taste and texture in your Mudhi Mansa.
3. Slow cooking for rich flavors: If time permits, cook the mutton curry on low heat for a longer duration to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become even more tender. This slow cooking process helps meld the flavors and results in a rich and delicious curry.
4. Adjust spice levels: The spice levels can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. Add more or less red chili powder and green chilies based on how spicy you want the dish to be. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the Mudhi Mansa. The vibrant green herbs add a burst of freshness and elevate the overall presentation and taste of the dish.
6. Accompaniments: Serve Mudhi Mansa with steamed rice or jeera rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with roti or paratha for a different dining experience.
7. Allow resting time: After cooking, let the Mudhi Mansa rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further develop and the puffed rice to absorb the delicious curry.

Remember, cooking is an art, and you can always experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your preferences.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for Mudhi Mansa can vary depending on factors such as the cooking method and the individual’s cooking skills. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the preparation time:

• Marination (optional): If you choose to marinate the mutton, the marination time can range from 30 minutes to overnight. This step adds flavor but is not mandatory.
• Chopping and preparation: Chopping the onions, pureeing the tomatoes, and making the ginger-garlic paste usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
• Cooking time: The cooking time for Mudhi Mansa can vary depending on the cooking method and the tenderness of the mutton. If using a pressure cooker, it typically takes 15-20 minutes under pressure to cook the mutton until tender. If using a regular pan, the cooking time can be longer, usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour or more.
• Assembling and garnishing: Once the mutton is cooked, adding the puffed rice (mudhi) and mixing it in takes just a couple of minutes. Garnishing with fresh coriander leaves is a quick step that can be done right before serving.

Considering these factors, the total estimated preparation time for Mudhi Mansa can range from approximately 1 hour to a few hours (including marination time, if applicable). It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and allocate enough time to ensure a relaxed cooking experience.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of Mudhi Mansa can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion sizes. Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a standard serving (1 cup or 250 grams) of Mudhi Mansa prepared with mutton and puffed rice:

• Calories: Around 350-400 calories
• Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
• Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: Around 40-50 grams
• Fiber: About 2-4 grams
• Sodium: Varies depending on the amount of salt used

Recipe Video

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