Lamb curry is a timeless dish, packed with aromatic spices and tender meat, making it a favorite in many households. Originating from South Asia, this recipe has been cherished for generations, evolving with different regional variations.

Despite its rich flavors, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

The key to a flavorful lamb curry lies in the careful balance of spices and the slow cooking process, allowing the meat to tenderize while absorbing the aromatic flavors. While it may seem daunting at first, fear not, as I’ll guide you through each step with clear instructions.

Expert Tip: For even more flavor, consider marinating the lamb in a mixture of yogurt and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.

Ingredients

Lamb: Lamb provides a rich and savory flavor to the curry. Its tender texture makes it perfect for slow cooking, allowing the meat to absorb the spices and develop a depth of flavor.

Olive Oil: Used for cooking the onions and spices, olive oil adds a subtle fruity note to the curry while helping to create a flavorful base.

Onions: Onions form the foundation of the curry, lending a sweet and savory taste to the dish. They also help create a thick and aromatic gravy.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a tangy sweetness to the curry, balancing out the richness of the lamb and spices. They also contribute to the smooth texture of the gravy.

Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients, salt helps to balance the overall taste of the curry.

Ginger Paste: Ginger adds a warm and spicy kick to the curry, complementing the other spices and enhancing the overall aroma.

Garlic Paste: Garlic provides a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the curry, adding depth to the dish.

Chilli Powder: For those who like a bit of heat, chilli powder adds a fiery kick to the curry, elevating its flavor profile.

Coriander Powder: Ground coriander seeds impart a citrusy and earthy flavor to the curry, enhancing its aromatic qualities.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Known for its vibrant yellow color, turmeric powder adds a warm and earthy flavor to the curry, as well as providing numerous health benefits.

Garam Masala: A blend of aromatic spices, garam masala adds warmth and depth to the curry, tying all the flavors together.

Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Methi): Fenugreek leaves contribute a slightly bitter and nutty flavor to the curry, enhancing its complexity.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, add a bright and refreshing touch to the finished dish, enhancing its visual appeal and flavor.

Expert Tip: Toasting the whole spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods before grinding them can enhance their aroma and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your delicious lamb curry with fluffy steamed rice for a classic and comforting meal. The rice serves as the perfect base for soaking up the flavorful gravy, allowing you to savor every bite.
• For a more indulgent experience, serve the lamb curry with homemade naan bread. The soft and chewy texture of the naan complements the rich and spicy flavors of the curry, creating a mouthwatering combination.
• To add a refreshing contrast to the hearty curry, serve it with a side of cucumber raita. The cool and creamy yogurt mixed with fresh cucumber and a hint of mint provides a cooling effect, balancing out the heat of the spices.
• For a complete meal, accompany your lamb curry with a selection of traditional Indian sides such as samosas, pakoras, or onion bhajis. These crispy and flavorful snacks add an extra dimension to the meal, making it a feast for the senses.
• If you’re hosting a gathering or special occasion, consider serving the lamb curry as part of a larger Indian feast, complete with an assortment of curries, rice dishes, and desserts. This allows your guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Expert Tip: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and tomatoes for the best flavor in your lamb curry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook lamb curry?

The cooking time for lamb curry can vary depending on factors such as the cut of meat and the desired level of tenderness. Generally, it takes around 45-60 minutes for the lamb to cook until tender. However, it’s essential to check the meat periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use other meats instead of lamb?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe to use other meats such as beef, chicken, or even goat. Keep in mind that different meats may require adjustments in cooking time and seasoning to achieve the best results.

Can I make lamb curry in advance?

Yes, lamb curry is an excellent dish for making in advance as the flavors tend to deepen and develop over time. You can prepare the curry a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the gravy.

How spicy is lamb curry?

The level of spiciness in lamb curry can be adjusted according to your preference by varying the amount of chilli powder used. If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of chilli powder or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of chilli powder or add fresh green chillies to the curry.

Can I freeze leftover lamb curry?

Yes, you can freeze leftover lamb curry for future meals. Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Label the containers with the date and contents, then store them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the curry overnight in the refrigerator and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Masala Lamb Chops
• Lamb Chops Curry
• Aloo Gosht
• Lamb Tikka
• Butter Lamb Curry

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Lamb Curry

by Nabeela Kauser

This simple yet delicious lamb curry is an easy and wholesome meal to put together. This traditional and authentic lamb curry is made with tomatoes and onions cooked with spices for a rich, hearty dish that's perfect to make for a crowd.

5 from 160 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Lamb
• ▢ 50 ml Olive Oil
• ▢ 2 Onions
• ▢ 3 Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ ½ tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 1 tsp Dried Fenugreek Leaves Methi
• ▢ 500 ml Water
• ▢ Coriander

Instructions

• In a pan heat up the olive oil on medium heat until hot
• Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened
• Add the ginger paste and the garlic paste then sauté for 1 minute
• Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened
• Add the salt, turmeric powder, chilli powder and coriander powder then cook the spices for 3-4 minutes
• Add the lamb or mutton and mix to incorporate the spices then cook for 8-10 minutes then add the water
• Cover with a lid and cook for 45-60 minutes until the meat is tender – if the meat is still not cooked then add you may need to add more water to allow the meat to cook further
• Add the garam masala, dried fenugreek, and coriander
• Serve with homemade naan or steamed rice and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 678mgPotassium: 610mgFibre: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 918IUVitamin C: 17mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 54mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Curry, Food, Lamb, Mutton, Recipe, Spicy

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