Mutancana: The Best Homemade and Attractive Recipe
Mutancana is one of the most special and oldest Ottoman culinary dishes, which dates back to the court of the Ottoman sultans. This unique dish is prepared with a different combination of meat, dried fruits, and hot spices, and well reflects the Ottoman royal cooking style; a style in which the balance between sweet and salty flavors was of great importance. Unlike many meat dishes, Mutancana has a mild, sweet, and aromatic taste that makes it a special party dish.
This dish is cooked mostly in Turkey today, especially in Istanbul and traditional Ottoman restaurants, and is still known as one of the luxurious and historical dishes. If you are interested in special dishes with a historical story, Mutancana is one of the best choices. This dish is very similar to Kuurdak, and famous dishes such as Bashbarmak also contain the same amount of meat.
What is Mutancana?
Mutancana is a traditional Ottoman meat dish, usually made with lamb or veal, prunes, dried apricots, raisins, almonds or hazelnuts, and a range of aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cloves. It is a prime example of the “sweet-meat” dishes of Ottoman cuisine, a style that is rarely seen today but was very popular in the past.
In the past, this dish was mostly prepared for the court, official parties, and large banquets. The presence of dried fruits and nuts alongside the meat indicated wealth and high social status. Mutanjana is usually served with plain rice or pilaf to enhance the complex and distinctive flavor of the stew.
Ingredients for Mutancana (4 people)
Main Ingredients
| Lamb or veal | 600 Grams |
| Onion | 1 Large |
| Butter or vegetable oil | 3 Tablespoon |
| Water or meat broth | As needed |
Dried fruits and nuts
| Dried apricots | 6 To 8 pieces |
| Dried plums | 6 Pieces |
| Raisins | 1/2 Cup |
| Almonds or hazelnuts | 1/2 Cup |
Spices
| Cinnamon | 1 Teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | The tip of a spoon |
| Black pepper | As needed |
| Salt | As needed |
| Sugar or honey (optional) | 1 Tablespoon |
Step-by-step Mutancana preparation
Step 1: Preparing the meat
Cut the meat into medium pieces. In a suitable pot, melt the butter and fry the chopped onion until golden and soft. Then add the meat and fry over medium heat until it changes color and the excess water is removed.
Step 2: Add the spices
After the meat is browned, add cinnamon, black pepper, and a little clove. These spices create the main flavor of Mutancana, so don’t overdo it.
Step 3: Cook the meat
Add water or meat stock to the pot to cover the meat. Cover the pot and let the meat cook over low heat for about 60 to 90 minutes until it is completely tender.
Step 4: Add the dried fruits
Soak the apricots and plums in warm water until they soften. Then add them to the stew along with the raisins and nuts. If you like a sweeter taste, you can add a little sugar or honey.
Step 5:
Let the food simmer for another 20 to 30 minutes over low heat until the flavors blend, and the sauce thickens a little. The Mutanjana should have a glazed and aromatic texture.
Mutancana (Ottoman Royal Meat Dish)
Ingredients
Method
- Heat butter in a pot and sauté chopped onion until golden.
- Add meat and cook until browned and excess moisture evaporates.
- Add cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves; stir gently.
- Pour in broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for 60-90 minutes until tender.
- Soak dried apricots and plums, then add them with raisins and nuts.
- Add sugar or honey if desired and simmer for 20-30 minutes until glossy.
- Serve warm with plain rice or pilaf.
Golden Tips for Authentic Mutancana
For an authentic Ottoman taste, be sure to use lamb.
The spices should be mild; the dominant flavor of the food should be balanced and soft.
High-quality dried fruits completely change the final taste of the food.
Slow and long cooking is the main secret to making Mutancana delicious.
Benefits of Mutancana (when consumed in moderation)
High protein:
The presence of meat provides the body with the protein it needs and strengthens the muscles.
Energetic:
The combination of meat and dried fruits is a good source of sustainable energy.
Rich in antioxidants:
Apricots and raisins have natural antioxidants.
Suitable for party meals:
It is both nutritious and has a stylish and different appearance.
Possible side effects of consuming too much Mutancana
Relatively high calories:
Due to the presence of meat and nuts, consuming too much can cause weight gain.
Not suitable for low-sugar diets:
The presence of dried fruits may not be suitable for diabetics.
Heavy digestion for some people:
People with sensitive stomachs should be careful with the amount consumed.
What to serve Mutancana with?
This dish is usually served with plain Ottoman rice or white pilaf, and a green salad or plain yogurt on the side creates a good balance of flavors. At parties, Mutanjana is very impressive as a main course, and its appearance and taste attract everyone.
Summary
Mutancana is not just a dish; it is part of the history and culture of Ottoman cuisine. The combination of tender meat, sweet dried fruits and warm spices creates a different and memorable taste. If you are interested in authentic, festive and special dishes, Mutanjana is a great choice to experience a royal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions for Mutancana
1-What is Mutancana made of?
Mutancana is made with lamb or veal, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, nuts, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.
2-Is Mutancana a sweet dish?
It has a mild sweet-and-savory flavor, but it is not a dessert. The sweetness comes naturally from dried fruits.
3-What does Mutancana taste like?
Mutancana has a rich, aromatic taste with tender meat, gentle sweetness, and warm spice notes.
4-Is Mutancana healthy?
When eaten in moderation, it provides protein, antioxidants, and energy, but it is relatively high in calories.
5-What is Mutancana served with?
It is traditionally served with plain white rice or Ottoman-style pilaf and a light salad or yogurt.