Spicy Lamb
Spicy lamb dish featuring tender cubes of lamb simmered with aromatic spices, vegetables, and a creamy yogurt sauce, ideal for hearty dinners and flavor enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless lamb shoulder or sirloin roast ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. fresh grated ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 c. plain yogurt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the lamb into 1-inch cubes.
- In a large saucepan, brown half of the meat in hot margarine or butter.
- Remove the browned meat from the pan.
- Brown the remaining meat with onion, celery, and garlic until vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
- Return all meat to the pan and stir in tomato sauce, water, curry powder, ginger, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for about 1 hour or until the lamb is tender.
- In a small bowl, combine yogurt and flour; then add to the meat mixture.
- Cook and stir until bubbly, then cook for about 1 minute more.
- Serve garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley over rice or with pita bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during cooking. If you want a creamier texture, you can replace the yogurt with coconut cream. Using leftover lamb from a previous meal can also enhance the flavors. This recipe can be adapted with different vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots, which can be added along with the onion and celery.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy lamb dish over fluffy rice or with warm pita bread for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a side of Indian corn bread for a complete experience. A fresh cucumber salad or a side of roasted vegetables can also complement the flavors nicely, balancing the spice with some coolness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lamb in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Lamb contains roughly 892 calories, with 27g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (135% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like lamb shanks or leg of lamb. Just adjust the cooking time as tougher cuts may require longer simmering to become tender. Be sure to cut the meat into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, adding a bit of water if needed to maintain moisture.
What can I serve as a vegetarian alternative?
For a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or tofu in place of lamb. Cook them in the same spices and sauce for a similar flavor profile. You could also explore recipes like Curried Rabbit With Vegetables for inspiration on how to adapt this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).