You can have a perfectly cooked Kerala goat curry on your table in about an hour, thanks to the Instant Pot!
I have a north Indian goat curry recipe on the blog, so I thought I’d share a south Indian recipe for goat curry too. This is a Keralite recipe, and although both curries share similarities, they are also different in quite a few ways.
In Kerala, most of the recipes call for some form of coconut, curry leaves, and a spice blend known as either Kerala garam masala or meat masala. Meat masala is very different from the garam masala you might find in Indian stores or online, so please do not substitute it! Here is my recipe for meat masala; since I share many Keralite recipes on the blog, you’ll notice that I call for this blend often.
If you like my north Indian goat curry, then you will also like this Keralite goat curry. Both are equally delicious.
Have you noticed that I’ve been sharing a lot of Instant Pot recipes lately? I try to switch things up here on the blog, but the fact is that I use this appliance all the time.
The only reason I use my stovetop these days is if I’m feeling nostalgic and want to watch as my food simmers in a dutch oven on the stovetop. I usually only do this on weekends. During the week, I am all about quick and easy meals. It’s crazy that I can now consider this goat curry “quick and easy” thanks to my electric pressure cooker. The fact is that the Instant Pot is a godsend for those of us who enjoy cooking Indian food (in fact, I wrote this article about why you should cook Indian food in an Instant Pot in case you’re interested).
Serve this goat curry over rice or with Indian flatbread. And if you like this goat curry, then you will love my Kerala goat pepper fry!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 pounds bone-in goat pieces shoulder or leg
- 2 onions diced
- 1-2 Serrano peppers or green chili minced
- ÂĽ cup frozen shredded coconut
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 20 curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons meat masala
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 to mato diced
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Press the sauté button and add the oil and mustard seeds to the pot. Once they start to splutter, add the goat, onions, and green chilies. Cook until the meat is browned on all sides.
- Add the shredded coconut, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, spices and stir well, then add the tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Pour the water into the pot then secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook for 45 minutes at high pressure.
- Allow pressure to naturally release.
Notes
Like this recipe? Then check out my cookbook: Indian Food Under Pressure for more Indian Instant Pot Recipes!
Jasmine says
Hi! Can you add potatoes to this recipe? If so, would you adjust any spices or cooking time?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Jasmine, I think that’ll be fine, I’d go with large whole potatoes since it calls for a long cook time – then you can always break them apart once the curry is done.
Milind Kandlikar says
Is the coconut you use fresh grated? or dried?
Thanks
My Heart Beets says
Hi Milind, I mostly use frozen but fresh is great if you have the time. You can frozen coconut at your local Indian grocery store (I like the brand Daily Delight).
Haritha Indupuru says
Hi Ashley, I am a big fan of your recipes, mainly the Malabar goat pepper fry, tawa chole, chicken Tikka tandoori chicken. Your are my first go-to when I need a recipe.
I tried this kerala goat curry, with meat masala (as per your recipe), 2 tblspn meat masala really overpowered the curry. I will stick with just 1 tblspn next time.
Also, one more suggestion on ingredients/quantities, if possible, please provide quantity of onion and tomatoes in terms of cups, as they come in all kinds of sizes.
Swati says
What is a good brand of meat masala ? Planning to try this recipe. But I have to buy the meat masala. Thank you.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Swati, I make my own – it’s definitely worth keeping on hand. You can find my recipe here: https://myheartbeets.com/meat-masala-south-indian-garam-masala/
Sujata says
Can I cook this in a slow cooker? If yes, do I need to add more water than the Insta Pot recipe calls for?
Amit says
Does the goat meat need to be marinated or tenderized?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Amit, nope – no need! It gets very tender in the instant pot. Let me know what you think if you try this 🙂
Amber says
Do you recommend fresh curry leaves or will dried suffice?
My Heart Beets says
Amber, either will work 🙂 If you can get fresh then great, if not dried works too.
Dalbir says
Hi Ashley!
Is there another quick substitute for the meat masala? Would Store bought Garam Masala be ok?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Dalbir, meat masala gives the dish a different flavor but you can use store bought garam masala (more north Indian flavor) – I’m sure it will still be good. Let me know how it goes!
Joel says
This is delicious. Turns out I don’t like goat (I wanted to, so I tried) but I substituted with a beef roast and my wife and I were more than pleased. I’m digging the curry leaves – never heard of them before now. Many thanks! -Joel
My Heart Beets says
Joel, I am so happy to hear that you made it and that beef worked well for you in this recipe. Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you and your wife! 🙂
Wendy says
Can I substitute the goat for chicken or beef?
My Heart Beets says
I haven’t tried it but I am sure it would be great! If you do chicken though then definitely reduce the cooking time – 10 minutes for chicken should work. Let me know how it turns out!
SSK says
Ashley, first time on your site, and tried out this recipe today. Came out incredible! Thank you, thank you!
My Heart Beets says
I’m so happy to hear that!! Thank you for letting me know how it turned out 🙂
Shreta says
Hi Ashley, Thanks for sharing the recipe. I made this today and it turned out great. Though I used lamb instead of goat. I just got my instant pot and this was the first recipe I tried.
My Heart Beets says
Shreta, that’s great to hear! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you 🙂
Radha says
Hi Ashley, thank you for for the recipe.. I’ve never cooked goat before..would like to know the best place to buy i from..in california and if I need to wash the meat before I use it?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Radha! I would call your local Indian grocery store to see if they sell goat meat – typically they do. You might also look into buying directly from a farmer if that’s an option. As for washing the meat – I usually do rinse it before using. Hope that helps! Let me know if you make this and how it turns out for you 🙂
Rush says
Or would look for a halal meat grocery store. They usually have very fresh goat meat and would give it to you specifications.
Sani says
You can also try any Hispanic/Latino store, most of the grocery stores have goat and lamb.