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Flavorful Lamb Curry Recipe Easy Homemade Rich Aromatic Sauce Guide

flavorful lamb curry - featured image

A rich and aromatic lamb curry with a perfectly balanced blend of spices, slow-simmered to tender perfection. This recipe is approachable, comforting, and ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 medium onions, finely sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves (whole)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt (120 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 to teaspoons salt (to taste)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 to cups water or lamb broth (240360 ml)

Instructions

  1. Pat the lamb cubes dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and red chili powder. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Add chopped or crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and oil starts to separate.
  7. Push the sauce to the sides of the pot and add lamb cubes in a single layer. Brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Stir everything together, add salt and yogurt, and mix well. Pour in 1 to 1½ cups water or lamb broth to cover most of the lamb.
  9. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender and sauce is thick.
  10. Taste and adjust salt or spices. Remove whole spices if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Toast whole spices gently to release aroma without burning. Temper yogurt by mixing a few spoonfuls of hot sauce into it before adding to prevent curdling. For creamier sauce, swirl in a tablespoon of cream or coconut milk at the end. Let curry rest 15 minutes off heat to meld flavors. Browning lamb is crucial for flavor and texture. Slow simmer to tenderize lamb without boiling hard.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb curry, aromatic sauce, slow cooked lamb, Indian spices, cozy dinner, easy curry recipe, lamb shoulder, homemade curry