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    Lamb Curry

    December 4, 2024

    Rich with Indian spices, this easy, slow-cooked lamb curry recipe is cozy, hearty and never boring.

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    lamb curry on top of basmati rice and sprinkled with cilantro next to naan and greek yogurt for serving
    Photography by Gayle McLeod

    Inspired by our beloved lamb rogan josh (one of our go-to favorites when we eat at Indian restaurants) this easy lamb curry recipe is so much easier to make at home than you might expect. A long, slow cook does most of the work, that and a blend of spices that are easy to find at any grocery store. For even more delicious lamb recipe ideas, try our fancy Rack of Lamb, or for a meaty Thai curry, try our easy, cozy Red Curry Beef.

    lamb shoulder, spices, olive oil, onion garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, rice, naan and greek yogurt in prep bowls

    Homemade Lamb Curry Ingredients

    • Lamb: Lamb shoulder, and have your butcher cut it into 6-inch pieces if they’re not too busy — it’ll save you time and mess.

    • Onion: Regular yellow onions are just perfect here.

    • Fresh garlic: No substitute for the flavor of fresh garlic! Especially in a relatively simple recipe like this, be sure to use high-quality ingredients.

    • Spices: Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon

    • Crushed tomatoes: Regular canned, crushed tomatoes are perfect here. Fire-roasted is OK too.

    • Stock: We used chicken stock for this, but most any stock you have will work fine.

    lamb shoulder cut into 6 inch pieces being seasoned with salt and pepper
    lamb shoulder seasoned with salt and pepper being browned in olive oil in a large pot
    garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and salt being added to a pot with cooked onion
    crushed tomatoes and chicken stock being added to a pot with cooked onion and spices

    How To Make Lamb Curry

    1. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the lamb shoulder pieces.

    2. Brown the lamb pieces in a Dutch oven (or similar lidded pot).

    3. Sauté the onion, then add the garlic and all the spices.

    4. Stir in the tomatoes and chicken stock.

    5. Add the browned lamb and simmer the curry (covered) for about 90 minutes.

    6. Uncover the curry and simmer for another 20-30 minutes.

    7. Serve!

    lamb curry cooking in a pot seasoned with garlic, garam masala, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon
    lamb curry on top of basmati rice and sprinkled with cilantro next to naan and greek yogurt for serving

    What To Serve With Lamb Curry

    Serve lamb curry over plain white, coconut rice or even lemon rice, along with warmed naan and our Easy Raita on the side. If you’re hosting a big gathering you could serve it with a whole Indian feast, with everyone’s favorites like Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and creamy Cauliflower Curry.

    lamb curry cooking in a pot seasoned with garlic, garam masala, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon and sprinkled with cilantro

    More Easy Lamb Recipes To Try

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    Lamb Curry

    December 4, 2024

    • Serves:  6
    • Prep Time:  10 min
    • Cook Time:  2 hrs 30 min
    • Calories:  430
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    Ingredients

    • 3 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 6-inch pieces
    • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
    • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 teaspoons garam masala
    • 2 teaspoons cumin
    • 2 teaspoons turmeric
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1 cup chicken stock

    For serving (optional)

    • Cooked basmati rice
    • Warmed Naan bread
    • Plain Greek yogurt
    • Minced fresh cilantro

    Method

    1. Season the lamb shoulder with the pepper and 2 teaspoons of the salt.

      lamb shoulder cut into 6 inch pieces being seasoned with salt and pepper

    2. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, working in batches, brown the lamb on all sides, about 15 minutes total. Transfer the lamb to a plate.

      lamb shoulder seasoned with salt and pepper being browned in olive oil in a large pot

    3. To the same pot, add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, until fragrant, 1 minute. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt until incorporated. Stir in the tomatoes and chicken stock.

      crushed tomatoes and chicken stock being added to a pot with cooked onion and spices

    4. Return the lamb to the pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is very tender, about 1½ to 2 hours. Remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 20 minutes. Skim fat off the top if desired.

      lamb curry cooking in a pot seasoned with garlic, garam masala, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon

    5. Serve over rice, if using, and serve with naan, yogurt, and cilantro alongside, if desired.

      lamb curry on top of basmati rice and sprinkled with cilantro next to naan and greek yogurt for serving

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories 430
    • Protein 49 g
    • Carbohydrates 14 g
    • Total Fat 21 g
    • Dietary Fiber 3 g
    • Cholesterol 132 mg
    • sodium 981 mg
    • Total Sugars 1 g

    Lamb Curry

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