Mutton (Lamb) Do Pyaza Recipe | Authentic Indian-Style mutton curry

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Mutton Do Pyaza

Also known as Lamb Do Pyaza outside India — is a rich and flavorful Indian curry where tender meat is cooked with a double dose of onions. The name “Do Pyaza” literally means “two onions,” referring to onions added twice — once during cooking and again at the end for sweetness and texture. In this recipe, the juicy mutton (or lamb) absorbs the spices beautifully, giving you a restaurant-style curry that’s hearty, aromatic, and perfect with naan or steamed basmati rice. Whether you call it Mutton Do Pyaza or Lamb Do Pyaza, this dish is pure comfort food from the Indian kitchen.

Origin & History of Mutton Do Pyaza

The Do Pyaza style of cooking has its roots in the historic region of Khorasan, located across present-day Iran and Afghanistan. According to food historians, the technique of adding onions at two different stages of cooking travelled into the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era, where it evolved into the rich, flavorful versions popular today. You can read more about the traditional origins of dopiaza on Wikipedia.

mutton do pyaza
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Mutton Do Pyaza

Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 5

Ingredients

  • 500g Mutton bone-in
  • 2 Onion medium size
  • 2 tbsp Ginger garlic paste
  • 2 Tomatoes medium size
  • 2 Green chillies
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 Black cardamom
  • 5 Clove
  • 10 Peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 5 tbsp Oil
  • 300 ml Water
  • 2 tsp Coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
  • 5 Whole red chillies
  • 10 shallots(small onions)
  • 1 tbsp Whole coriander slightly roasted
  • 1 tsp Ginger julienne
  • 1 tsp Kasuri methi
  • Fresh coriander for garnishing

Instructions

  • In a pressure cooker add mutton, onion, ginger garlic paste, green chillies, tomatoes, whole spices, powdered spices, salt and mix well.
    mutton with tomatoes and spices
  • Pressure cook the mutton on high flame for 2 whistles and on low flame for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
  • After the steam is released, check if the mutton is cooked. Cook for 1 more whistle if required.
  • Once tender cook the mutton on medium high flame until the gravy is thick and oil separates.
  • Add coriander powder and garam masala powder and cook for 4-5 mins, stirring continuously.
  • Now add whole red chillies, shallots (sambar onions), roasted coriander seeds, julienne ginger and kasuri methi.
  • Cook for further 4-5 mins and turn off the flame.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander.
  • Serve hot with tandoori roti / chapati /roomali roti or naan.
    mutton cooked with onion gravy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does Do Pyaza mean?

“Do Pyaza” means “two onions” or “double onions.” The dish uses onions in two forms — sliced and chopped — added at different stages for a rich, layered flavor.

What is Mutton Do Pyaza?

Mutton Do Pyaza is an onion-rich curry made with tender lamb or goat meat, cooked with spices and double the quantity of onions.

Which cut of mutton is best for Do Pyaza?

Shoulder or leg pieces with some fat (raan or dasti) work best as they stay juicy and turn tender while cooking.

Can I make Do Pyaza with chicken or vegetables?

Yes, Do Pyaza can also be made with chicken (Murgh Do Pyaza), paneer, and even bhindi (okra). The technique remains the same — double onions.

Why are onions added twice in Do Pyaza?

Onions added first give sweetness and thickness to the gravy, while the second batch adds texture and mild crunch.

How long does mutton take to cook in Do Pyaza?

In a pressure cooker, mutton takes about 15-20 minutes total — cook on high flame for 3 whistles, then on low flame for 10–12 minutes.
In a pan, it may take 45–60 minutes depending on the cut and quality.

Can I use lamb instead of mutton?

Yes, lamb is softer and cooks faster, making it a perfect substitute in Do Pyaza.

What do you serve with Mutton Do Pyaza?

t pairs well with roti, naan, paratha, jeera rice, or simple steamed basmati rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Mutton Do Pyaza
  • 1. Use two types of onions for authentic texture Slice onions for the base masala and keep small whole onions (or pearl/sambhar onions) for the second batch. Adding them later keeps their sweetness and gives the dish its iconic “Do Pyaza” bite.

  • 2. Whole coriander seeds for deeper aroma Instead of powdered coriander, use coriander seeds. They release a rustic, fresh aroma that tastes far more authentic than pre-ground spice.

  • 3. Add whole red chillies for flavour—not just heat Whole dry red chillies add a smoky, earthy flavour to the dish. They infuse the oil beautifully without making the dish overly spicy.

  • 4.Keep Whole Red Chillies Intact to Avoid Extra Heat When using whole dry red chillies, remove the stem very gently without breaking or opening the chilli. If the chilli opens even slightly, the seeds will release into the gravy and make the dish much spicier than intended. Intact chillies give flavour, aroma, and colour without overpowering heat — a key trick in authentic Do Pyaza.

  • 5. Pressure cook only until tender — avoid overcooking For soft and juicy mutton, pressure cook 2 whistles on high + 10–12 minutes on low. Overcooking can make it mushy.

  • 6. Add the second batch of onions after pressure cooking Stir in the whole onions after the mutton is nearly done. Let them simmer slowly in the gravy so they stay intact yet absorb flavours.

  • 7. Rest before serving Let the curry sit for 10 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor of gravy and gives classic do pyaza texture.

  • 💬 What Do You Think About This Recipe?

    Have you tried this Mutton Do Pyaza Recipe? What did you pair it with? Share your thoughts in the comments below — your feedback means the world to me! ❤️

    📸 Also, if you make this do piyaza mutton, don’t forget to share a photo and tag me on Instagram
    👉 @diningwithayesha using the hashtag #diningwithayesha — I’d love to see your creations!

    Love this Authentic Mutton Recipe? Don’t miss our easy and delicious Mutton Fry Recipe – juicy, flavorful, and perfect for Party and Weekends!

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