Indian Lamb Masala Curry
Discover a flavorful lamb masala recipe with bold spices, creamy yogurt, and tender lamb. Perfect for a cozy dinner, paired with rice or naan.
Servings
Prep Time
Cook Time
Ingredients
Total Time
Ingredients
Homemade Masala Spice Mix:
- 2 tbsp coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp fennel seeds
- 3 tbsp cumin seeds
- 5 green cardamom pods
- 2 black cardamom pods
- 5 cloves
- Chili to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ nutmeg
- ½ star anise
- ½ cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp turmeric
Marinade:
- Green and red chili to taste
- 2-inch piece of ginger
- 1 garlic bulb
- 1 tsp masala spice mix
- ½ cup water
- 650-700g lamb
- Salt to taste
Cooking the Lamb:
- 3 onions, chopped
- 2-3 cups water
- Additional cardamom pods (optional)
Curry Base:
- 4 onions, chopped
- 3 inch ginger
- 1 garlic bulb
- 2-3 tbsp ghee
- 200ml tomato purée
- 3 tbsp masala spice mix
- 150g Greek yogurt
- Salt to taste
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed rice
- Naan bread
- Fresh cilantro
- Hot chili sauce
Equipment
- Dry skillet
- Blender or spice grinder
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
Today, I want to introduce you to my take on an Indian recipe: Lamb Masala Curry. This dish is incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and creamy, packed with bold spices that will transport you to a world of exotic aromas.
It’s easy to prepare, highly adaptable to personal preferences, and perfect for reheating, making it a fantastic leftover meal. Let’s dive into this lamb masala recipe and uncover its delicious secrets.
How to Cook Lamb Masala Curry
- Homemade Masala Spice Mix: While store-bought masala works, I prefer making my own mix.
- Toast your spices in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes, then blend into a fine powder.
- Use what you need for the recipe and store the rest in a jar.
- Marinade: The next thing you need to take care of is making a marinade.
- Blend the chili peppers, garlic, ginger, masala and water into a paste.
- Combine the lamb with the marinade and salt to taste.
- Cover and let rest overnight.
- Cooking the Lamb: The next day, cook the lamb with 3 chopped onions, a few more cardamom pods, and 2-3 cups of water on very low heat for 1.5 hours.
- Take the meat out.
- Strain the broth, and set aside; discard the onions.
- Creating the Curry Base: Chop 4 onions, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and caramelize in 2-3 tbsp ghee for 4-5 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with a little lamb broth.
- Make a paste of 1 garlic bulb, 3-inch pieces of ginger, and 30-40ml water.
- Add it to the pot along with 200ml tomato purée.
- Stir continuously until emulsified.
- Add 3 tbsp of the masala spice mix and adjust the salt as needed. Stir in the cooked lamb, a bit more broth, and Greek yogurt.
- Cover and cook on low heat for another 30 minutes or until the oil separates.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the lamb masala curry with steamed rice, naan bread, fresh cilantro, and hot chili sauce, as per your preference.
Why This Dish Shines
The combination of bold spices and creamy yogurt creates a perfectly balanced Indian lamb masala that’s both hearty and fragrant. Each spice plays a unique role in building layers of flavor. For instance, the warmth of cinnamon and cloves complements the sharpness of black pepper, while turmeric brings its earthy, slightly bitter undertone and vibrant color. Meanwhile, the Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also balances the heat and acidity, making every bite indulgent yet light.
As the name implies, this dish draws inspiration from traditional Indian recipes. Still, it incorporates a personal touch in the spice blend and cooking technique.
By toasting and grinding fresh spices, the flavors are elevated, creating a dynamic taste profile that’s more aromatic than pre-ground blends. Additionally, the choice of slow-cooking the lamb ensures it becomes tender while absorbing every ounce of flavor from the spices and broth.
The nutritional profile of this lamb curry masala is equally impressive. Lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and energy. It’s rich in iron, which supports healthy blood circulation, and B vitamins that boost metabolism. The yogurt and ghee contribute healthy fats, promoting satiety and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Finally, the spices—particularly turmeric and ginger—are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
This harmonious blend of bold flavors, thoughtful preparation, and nutritional benefits make this lamb masala recipe a standout addition to any meal rotation.
FAQ: All About Lamb Masala
Here are some common questions to deepen your understanding of this dish:
Q: How do you make lamb masala?
A: Lamb masala is made by marinating lamb in a spice blend, slow-cooking it with onions and broth, and creating a curry base with tomato, yogurt, and spices.
Q: How many calories are in lamb masala?
A: The calorie count varies but typically ranges between 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and yogurt used.
Q: What is lamb masala?
A: Lamb masala is a flavorful Indian curry made with tender lamb cooked in a spiced tomato and yogurt-based sauce.
Q: What does lamb masala taste like?
A: It has a rich, savory taste with layers of spice, a hint of tanginess from yogurt, and a creamy texture.
Q: What does masala mean?
A: “Masala” refers to a mixture of spices used in Indian cooking. It can vary widely based on the dish and regional preferences.
Q: Where was masala invented?
A: Masala originates from the Indian subcontinent, where spices have been central to cooking for centuries.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give this Indian Lamb Masala a try and discover just how satisfying and versatile it can be.
If you do, don’t forget to tag us so we can see your creations!
For a step-by-step walkthrough, check out the full video on YouTube and don’t forget to like and subscribe. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Nutrition Facts / Serving
- Calories 608
- Total Fat 31 g
- Cholesterol 20 mg
- Sodium 1234 mg
- Potassium 603 mg
- Total Carbohydrate 30 g
- Sugars 12 g
- Protein 46 g