Hyderabadi mutton shorba is a light yet deeply flavoured broth made by slow-simmering bone-in mutton with whole spices, aromatics and gentle seasoning. Unlike thick soups, this traditional shorba focuses on clarity, warmth and nourishment, making it ideal for winter evenings, festive meals or restorative comfort food.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
For The Mutton Base:
750 gBone-in mutton (with some fat)
1.5 litresWater
Whole Spices:
1Bay leaf
4Green Cardamoms
4Cloves
1 tspBlack peppercorns
1 inchCinnamon
1Star Anise (optional, but traditional)
Aromatics And Paste:
2 mediumOnions (thinly sliced)
2 tbspGinger-garlic paste
2Green chillies (slit)
Ground Spices:
2 tbspCoriander powder
½ tspWhite pepper powder
¼ tspTurmeric powder
to tasteSalt
For Finishing:
2 tbspFresh coriander leaves (chopped)
1 tbspGhee
optionalLemon wedges
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Prepare The Mutton And Veggies
Wash the mutton thoroughly and drain well. Using bone-in pieces is essential, as the bones contribute flavour, body and nutritional richness to the shorba.
Description - Step 2
Heat Ghee And Bloom Whole Spices
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns and star anise. Let the spices bloom gently until aromatic, without browning.
Description - Step 3
Sauté Onions And Aromatics
Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and lightly golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chillies. Cook until the raw aroma disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Description - Step 4
Add Ground Spices
Add coriander powder, white pepper and turmeric. Stir well on low heat to prevent burning. This forms the flavour base without making the shorba heavy or overly spiced.
Description - Step 5
Add Mutton And Water
Add the mutton pieces and mix well so they are coated with the spice base. Pour in water and season with salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Description - Step 6
Slow Simmer The Shorba
Reduce heat, cover partially and let the shorba simmer slowly. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Cook until the mutton is tender and the broth is deeply flavoured.
Description - Step 7
Adjust And Strain (Optional)
Taste and adjust seasoning. For a clearer shorba, strain the broth and return the mutton pieces to the liquid. This step is optional but traditional for refined presentations.
Description - Step 8
Finish And Serve
Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot. Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving if desired for brightness.