Varhadi Mutton

Varhadi mutton curry from the Varha region — the Varhadi sub-cuisine of eastern Vidarbha (Amravati, Yavatmal districts) is distinct from the Nagpur Saoji tradition: the Varhadi masala uses a higher proportion of sesame seeds, dry coconut, and black pepper relative to chilli, producing a curry that is intensely nutty and aromatic rather than purely fiery. Mutton pieces fried in generous oil with whole spices, fried onion, and the Varhadi masala paste — which includes the specific addition of dry-roasted sesame and peanuts ground into the base — simmered until the oil separates and the meat is tender. The sesame gives the gravy a dark, nutty thickness; the peanut adds sweetness. The Varhadi mutton is the quintessential wedding feast centrepiece in the Varha region; quantities prepared for a wedding feast are measured in kilograms of dry sesame.