Hidden Spice Lamb Curry
Tender lamb simmered in a rich coconut curry sauce with a hidden blend of cumin, turmeric, and cayenne for depth. This indian ready in about 100 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder, tomato paste, curry powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp (optional) cayenne pepper
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp curry powder and 2 tbsp tomato paste over medium heat, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1.5 lbs lamb cubes and brown on all sides for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if using), stirring for 30 seconds. Pour in 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk and 1 cup vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until lamb is tender. Stir in 2 tbsp garam masala and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then season with salt. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes before serving with rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Spice Lamb Curry take to make?
Total time is about 100 minutes (25 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Hidden Spice Lamb Curry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tomato paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Spice Lamb Curry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Hidden Spice Lamb Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Hidden Spice Lamb Curry?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
