Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A richly spiced lamb curry blending Indian and Nepali flavors, simmered slowly to tender perfection with warm aromatic spices. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 130 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 105 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 8 minutes until golden and soft.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp garam masala, and 1 tsp red chili powder; stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown the meat for 5-6 minutes until sealed on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree and 2 cups water, then add 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, and 4 cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt, remove whole spices, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences take to make?

Total time is about 130 minutes (25 min prep + 105 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 Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences?

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 lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences?

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 Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences?

Indian lamb 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.

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