Classic Marinated Lamb Curry Recipes

INDIAN LAMB CURRY

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven or heavy bottom skillet, add the oil, ghee, and whole spices.Pro tip - if possible use a Dutch oven as it retains heat evenly and will cook without losing too much liquid. if not, use a heavy bottom skillet with a tight lid.
• Then, add onions and saute until caramelized, almost brown - about 10 minutes (see video).Pro tip - depending on the heat it may take 10 to 15 minutes to caramelize the onions. Do not cook on high as it will burn the onions not caramelize.
• Next, add the ginger and garlic - saute for another minute. Add the lamb pieces, saute for 2 to 3 minutes until the lamb is no longer pink.Pro tip - ginger and garlic can burn easily so keep the heat on medium. Then turn the heat a little higher to sear the lamb on all sides.
• Then, add the ground spices and chopped tomatoes. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
• Next, add the yogurt. Combine it then add 1/2 cup water. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat.Pro tip - stir the yogurt separately in a small bowl to ensure there are no lumps before you add it to the lamb otherwise you will have lumps in the curry.
• Continue to simmer it on the stovetop on medium-low heat stirring frequently until meat is cooked through and becomes fork-tender - about 1 to 1 ½ hour adding water if necessary. Pro tip - Always ensure you have enough water so the meat has enough moisture to cook. If necessary add ¼ to ½ cup more.
• When cooked to fork-tender, taste and adjust seasoning. Adjust gravy by adding a bit more water depending on how you going to serve it.Pro tip - If you serve it with chapati, naan, or roti - keep it thick. If you serve with rice, add a little water to make a gravy.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

CLASSIC MARINATED LAMB CURRY

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the curry paste. Then, place the lamb in a large non-reactive bowl. Add the yogurt, curry paste, garam masala (save 1/4 teaspoon for garnish), turmeric, and salt and mix well, making sure all the pieces are well-coated with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator, at least 4 and up to 24 hours.2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick wok or saucepan over medium-high heat, add the cardamom pods, cinnamon, and cumin seeds they should sizzle upon contact with the hot oil. Quickly add the coriander, then mix in the marinated lamb with the marinade and cook over high heat, stirring, until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook until most of the juices are dry, 20 to 25 minutes.3. Uncover the pan, add the green chili peppers and fenugreek leaves, increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until the pieces are well-browned and are coated with the sauce, 10 to 12 minutes.4. Add the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer until the lamb is fork-tender and the sauce thick. Transfer to a serving dish, mix in half the cilantro, garnish with reserved garam masala and the remaining cilantro, and serve hot.VARIATION: To make a saucy dish, add some more whisked yogurt, buttermilk, or water in Step 4 and cook until you have your desired sauce. Adjust the seasonings and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.