Lamb Curry Recipe

Quick & Flavorful Lamb Curry Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering lamb curry promises an exciting culinary adventure that transports you straight to the vibrant kitchens of india.

Aromatic spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Tender chunks of meat slowly simmer in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with complex layers of warmth and depth.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected spices blend seamlessly, turning a simple dish into a remarkable feast.

Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this curry invites you to explore a world of delicious comfort.

Pack your appetite and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable meal that celebrates the magic of home cooking.

Everything You Need For Rick Steins Lamb Curry

Protein Base:
  • Lamb: Tender meat that becomes soft and flavorful when slow-cooked in the curry sauce.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic, Ginger: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, rich flavor base for the curry.
  • Tomatoes: Provide acidity and help create a smooth, vibrant sauce.
Spices and Herbs:
  • Coriander: Fresh herb that adds a bright, citrusy finish to the dish.
  • Spice Blend: Essential for creating the authentic curry flavor profile and depth of taste.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the curry.
  • Water: Helps create the right consistency and tenderizes the lamb during cooking.

How To Make Rick Steins Lamb Curry Step By Step

Step 1: Caramelize Onions

Slice onions thinly and sauté in a heavy-bottomed pan until they turn deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet aroma. Once caramelized, remove from heat and transfer to a blender.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Blend the caramelized onions into a smooth, silky paste. In the same blender, combine:
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Fresh garlic cloves
  • Peeled ginger root

Blend until you achieve a uniform, vibrant mixture.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Return the onion paste to the pan. Pour in the tomato-garlic-ginger mixture. Sprinkle in a blend of warming spices like:
  • Turmeric
  • Cumin
  • Coriander powder
  • Garam masala

Sauté the mixture until the oils start to separate and the spices release their intense fragrance.

Step 4: Brown the Lamb

Add tender lamb pieces to the spiced base. Cook the meat until it develops a light golden crust, sealing in the juices and absorbing the rich spice blend.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in water to create a luxurious sauce. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer on low heat. The lamb will become incredibly tender, absorbing all the complex flavors.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

Stir the curry occasionally to prevent sticking. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the curry. Serve piping hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Best Tips For Rick Steins Lamb Curry

  • Boost Onion Flavor: Caramelize onions slowly to develop deeper, sweeter taste by cooking on medium-low heat until rich golden brown.
  • Tenderize Lamb Perfectly: Choose shoulder or leg cuts with some fat for extra moisture and cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Spice Balance Trick: Toast whole spices before grinding to release intense aromatics and enhance overall curry depth.
  • Control Curry Consistency: Add water gradually and maintain low simmer to prevent sauce from becoming too thin or burning at bottom of pan.
  • Fresh Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh coriander just before serving to preserve vibrant color and maximize bright, zesty flavor profile.

Different Ways To Enjoy Rick Steins Lamb Curry

  • Goat Curry Swap: Replace lamb with goat meat for a similar rich, gamey flavor profile that absorbs spices beautifully.
  • Vegetarian Chickpea Version: Substitute lamb with firm chickpeas and reduce cooking time to 20 minutes for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer ingredients after initial browning to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Pairing: Serve curry over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.

What To Eat With Rick Steins Lamb Curry

  • Elevate Flavor with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Syrah or Grenache that complements the rich, spicy lamb curry with its bold fruit notes and subtle pepper undertones.
  • Create Refreshing Beverage Balance: Prepare a cooling mango lassi to counteract the curry's heat, blending yogurt, fresh mango, and a touch of cardamom for a creamy, soothing companion.
  • Match Complementary Side Dish: Serve fragrant basmati rice with saffron and whole cumin seeds, which absorbs the curry's complex spices and provides a neutral base for the intense lamb flavors.
  • Enhance Texture with Bread: Offer warm, buttery naan bread to scoop up the curry, allowing diners to enjoy the sauce's depth while adding a soft, pillowy contrast to the tender lamb meat.

How To Store And Reheat Rick Steins Lamb Curry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the lamb curry stays fresh and flavorful.
  • Transfer cooled curry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.
  • Place curry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
  • Pour curry into a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and heat slowly, allowing spices to reintegrate and maintain original richness.

Rick Steins Lamb Curry Questions Answered

  • What type of lamb works best for this curry?

Choose bone-in lamb shoulder or leg cuts with some fat for richer flavor and tender meat that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.

  • Can I reduce the spiciness of the curry?

Absolutely! Decrease the amount of green chilies or use mild paprika instead of hot chili powder to control heat levels according to your preference.

  • Is it necessary to blend onions and tomatoes separately?

Yes, blending separately ensures smooth texture and allows each ingredient to release its unique flavors, creating a more complex and balanced curry base.

  • How can I make the curry more authentic?

Use fresh whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, and toast them briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and create a more traditional Indian curry profile.

Why Rick Steins Lamb Curry Is Full Of Flavor

  • Master Flavor Complexity: This lamb curry delivers a rich, layered taste profile with perfectly balanced spices and tender meat that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep steps and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels, allowing even beginners to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
  • Versatile Comfort Meal: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when craving a hearty, warming dish that brings everyone together with its inviting aroma and satisfying flavors.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from lamb and loaded with aromatic spices, this curry offers a nutritionally balanced meal that requires minimal cleanup and provides maximum satisfaction.
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Lamb Curry Recipe

Lamb Curry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 60 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Indian Lamb Curry brings explosive flavors from traditional Kerala kitchens, combining tender meat with aromatic spices. Hearty comfort meets culinary adventure, promising a delicious journey you’ll savor with each perfectly seasoned bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) lamb shoulder, cubed

Aromatics and Vegetables:

  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Liquid and Oil:

  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Garnish:

  • Chopped coriander

Instructions

  1. Caramelize onions in hot oil until deep golden brown, creating a rich base flavor, then transfer to a blender and puree into a smooth consistency.
  2. Create a vibrant sauce by blending ripe tomatoes with fragrant garlic and zesty ginger until silky and uniform.
  3. Reintroduce the onion puree to the cooking pan, combining with the tomato mixture and aromatic spices, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over medium heat.
  4. Gently incorporate the lamb pieces, searing each side to develop a golden crust and seal in the meat’s natural juices.
  5. Pour in water to create a luxurious braising liquid, ensuring the meat is partially submerged for even cooking.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to low, letting the curry simmer for approximately 45 minutes, transforming the lamb into tender, succulent morsels.
  7. Periodically check the liquid level, adding small amounts of water if the sauce becomes too thick, maintaining a perfect consistency.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, releasing their bright, herbaceous aroma just before serving the curry piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose lamb shoulder or leg cuts with some fat for extra flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or using milder varieties like Kashmiri red chili for vibrant color without intense heat.
  • Marinate lamb for 2-3 hours beforehand with yogurt and spices to enhance meat’s softness and absorb deeper flavor profiles.
  • For gluten-free version, ensure all spice blends are certified gluten-free and replace regular flour with cornstarch if thickening sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 578 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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