Yogurt Lamb Curry Recipe: A Flavorful Indian Delicacy
If you’re a fan of hearty, aromatic curries, this Yogurt Lamb Curry is a dish that will undoubtedly captivate your taste buds. Perfect for a family lunch or a special dinner, this curry is a blend of tender lamb, warm spices, and the rich creaminess of yogurt, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful meal. Ideal for serving with rice, whole wheat lachha parathas, or garlic naan, this dish offers the perfect balance of heat and depth.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lamb (cut into pieces) | 500 grams |
| Onions (ground to paste) | 2 |
| Garlic (ground to paste) | 2 teaspoons |
| Dry ginger powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Cardamom pods (Elaichi) | 4 |
| Black cardamom pods (Badi Elaichi) | 4 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 2-inch stick |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Kashmiri dry red chillies | 5 |
| Ghee | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
| Mint leaves (Pudina, dry) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
60 minutes
Total Time
70 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Indian
Course
Lunch
Diet
Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Kashmiri Red Chili Paste
Start by soaking the Kashmiri red chilies in water for about 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the chilies and grind them into a smooth paste. This paste will add a vibrant color and mild heat to the curry.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Lamb
In a pressure cooker, add the lamb pieces along with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of cumin seeds. Cook for one whistle (or until the lamb is slightly tender). Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a wide, deep-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the whole cumin seeds, green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their fragrant oils.
Next, add the ground onion paste to the pan and sauté until the paste turns a golden brown color. This will take about 5-7 minutes, and it adds depth to the flavor base of your curry.
Step 4: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Red Chili Paste
Now, add the ground garlic paste and dry ginger powder. Sauté for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a more intense ginger flavor, you can substitute the dry ginger powder with freshly grated ginger.
Stir in the ground Kashmiri red chili paste and cook for 1 minute to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Lamb and Yogurt
Add the cooked lamb pieces to the pan, ensuring there’s no excess water. Stir well to coat the lamb with the aromatic spice mix. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the lamb to absorb the flavors.
Whisk the yogurt thoroughly to smooth out any lumps, then add it to the pan. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the yogurt, creating a rich and creamy curry base. If the curry seems too thick, you can add 1/4 cup of water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 6: Simmer and Final Seasoning
Add salt to taste and cover the pan. Allow the curry to simmer on low heat until the lamb is fully tender and the flavors are well-developed. This will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
Once the lamb is cooked, sprinkle the curry with garam masala powder and dried mint leaves. Stir the curry to combine all the ingredients, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the spices infuse.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Yogurt Lamb Curry is now ready to be served! Pair it with steamed rice, whole wheat lachha parathas, or garlic naan for a complete, satisfying meal. The combination of tender lamb, creamy yogurt, and aromatic spices will make for an unforgettable dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 5% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
This Yogurt Lamb Curry recipe offers a perfect blend of spice, flavor, and tenderness, making it a beloved dish in Indian cuisine. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful curry that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
