Mutton Keema with Peas

Mutton keema with peas brings together finely minced goat and sweet green peas in a richly spiced onion-tomato masala, the style of curry often served with basmati rice or scooped up with flatbreads. The character of the dish comes from properly browned onions, tomatoes cooked until glossy, and warm spices that cling to the mince rather than sitting in a loose sauce. Peas lighten the savoury depth of the meat, while garam masala and fresh coriander give a fragrant finish. Hearty without being heavy, it is a practical dinner that can be kept fairly thick for breads or loosened slightly for rice.
Cuisine style North Indian home cooking
Spice level Medium
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Meal prep friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Layered masala: Whole spices, golden onions, ginger, garlic and tomatoes build a deep savoury base before the mince is added.
  • Balanced richness: Tomatoes cut through the richness of the minced goat, while peas add sweetness and freshness.
  • Good for leftovers: The thick, spoonable sauce reheats well and can be served with rice, flatbreads or as a filling.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • Make it milder: Reduce or omit the green chilli, and replace Kashmiri chilli with a milder paprika if preferred.
  • Add more heat: Use an extra green chilli or increase the chilli powder slightly, keeping the spice balanced with the tomato masala.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose the mince carefully: Minced goat or mutton with a little fat gives the keema better flavour and a juicier texture than very lean mince.
  • Fresh or frozen peas: Frozen peas work well; add them near the end of cooking so they stay bright and tender.
  • Kashmiri chilli: Kashmiri chilli brings colour and mild warmth rather than intense heat, making it useful for a balanced keema.

Common mistakes

  • Rushing the masala: Cook the onions until properly golden and the tomatoes until glossy; this prevents the curry tasting raw or thin.
  • Letting it get too dry: Keema should be thick but still spoonable, so add a splash more water during simmering if the pan looks dry.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make ahead: Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooked keema for up to 2 months, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot throughout.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Finely chop the onion. Grate the ginger, crush the garlic, and finely chop the green chilli. Roughly chop the tomatoes and finely chop the coriander.
  2. Heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until deep golden.
  3. Add the ginger, garlic and green chilli and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Add the tomatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the masala is thick and the oil begins to separate at the edges.
  4. Add the minced goat and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until it has browned and any liquid has mostly evaporated. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric and Kashmiri chilli and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in the peas and add 200 ml water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mince is tender and the sauce is thick but spoonable. If it looks dry, add a splash more water.
  6. Turn the heat to low and stir in the garam masala. Take off the heat and fold through most of the coriander, reserving a little to finish. Rest for 2 minutes, then serve topped with the remaining coriander.

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Recipe notes

Serving suggestions

This recipe pairs well with:

Steamed basmati rice Flatbreads

Tips

  • For the best flavour, cook the onion until properly golden and the tomato masala until it looks glossy and the oil starts to separate at the edges.
  • If you prefer a looser keema for spooning over rice, add an extra 50 to 100 ml water during the simmer and cook until the mince is tender.
  • This dish contains no dairy, but if serving to vulnerable groups, ensure the minced goat is cooked until piping hot throughout with no pink remaining.

Substitutions

  • Replace Green peas with Frozen peas for convenience; add them for the final 5 minutes so they stay bright.
  • Replace Ground Kashmiri chili with Smoked paprika for a milder heat and a gentle smokiness.
  • Replace Sunflower oil with Ghee for a richer, more traditional finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water over low heat until piping hot, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between. Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 50min (35min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Indian
With serving suggestions One pot Freezer friendly

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