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Lamb in Creamy Cardamom Curry

Lamb in Creamy Cardamom Curry

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A rich, aromatic lamb curry infused with warm cardamom, cumin, and spices, simmered until tender in a creamy yogurt-based sauce.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) vegetable oil
  • 2 yellow onions, finely chopped
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup (185 mL) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 12 green cardamom pods, lightly smashed
  • 2 tbsp (30 mL) ground cumin
  • 1-1/2 tbsp (22 mL) black mustard seeds, ground (optional)
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) paprika
  • 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) turmeric
  • 1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) cayenne
  • 3 lb (1-1/2 kg) boneless lamb, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups (500 mL) water
  • 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) plain yogurt, buttermilk, or 3/4 cup (185 mL) whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, cardamom pods, ground cumin, mustard seeds (if using), paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook the spices for 2–3 minutes to deepen their flavor.
  4. Add the lamb pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them well in the spice mixture.
  5. Pour in the water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the lamb is tender.
  6. Stir in the yogurt, buttermilk, or cream, mixing well to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Heat gently without boiling.
  7. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with rice or naan.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Yogurt adds tanginess, while cream makes the curry richer—choose based on preference.
  • Cardamom pods can be removed before serving if preferred.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg