Varuval is a semi-dry dish which is can be served as a side dish for rice, idly or dosa. Also, generous amount of oil is used in this dish, as the food gets cooked more in oil and less of water. Thala Kari Varuval or Lamb Head roast is one of the common dish among all the south Indian families (consuming non-vegetarian). Also, I have shared 2 variants of Lamb head curry / Thala Kari kulambu in my earlier posts, also click here to check out the recipe – Lamb Head Curry / Thala Kari Kulambu – 1 and Lamb Head Curry / Thala Kari Kulambu – 2.

CLICK HERE for more Lamb / Mutton / Goat recipes.

Coming to this varuval or roast, I have cooked the lamb head / Thala Kari with few ingredients available in all kitchens, but it tastes delicious. Let me share the recipe…

Lamb Head Roast / Thalakari Varuval

Ingredients:

• Mutton (Lamb) Head – ¼ kg
• Onions – 3 no’s (medium size)
• Chilli powder – 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds – 2 ¼ tsp
• Curry leaves – a sprig
• Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Pepper – 1 tsp
• Ginger – 1 “inch stick – 1 no
• Garlic – 6 cloves
• Salt to taste
• Sesame oil – 2 tbsp

Making of Lamb Head Roast / Thalakari Varuval –

Preparation:

• Peel and finely chop the onions.
• Clean the mutton head and roughly chop them into pieces.
• Crush the ginger, garlic, 2 tsp of cumin seeds, black pepper to a coarse powder.
• Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add mustard seeds, leftover cumin seeds and curry leaves, wait until they crackle.
• Add the onions and cook until they turn golden brown, add the crushed spice masala (ginger, garlic, cumin and peppercorns).
• Add the red chilli powder and turmeric powder, cook until the raw smell of the powder goes off.
• Add the lamb head / thala Kari, salt and cook for 3 mins.
• Pour ½ cup of water, and pressure-cook for 3 whistles or cover and cook until the meat is cooked.
• Once the meat is cooked, remove the lid and cook in medium flame until the water evaporates and the oil floats on the top of the varuval.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot. Goes out well with steamed rice or idly or dosa.

Note: After cooking when you need it to be gravy, you can wait until the oil floats on the top and remove the dish else if you want it to be dry, you can cook until the water evaporates and remove the dish.