Rajpura-Inspired Spiced Lamb Curry

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

A fragrant lamb curry infused with traditional Punjabi spices, simmered until tender and rich in flavor. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 85 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, vegetable oil, ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1 cup tomato puree, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 1/2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tsp garam masala and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, stir gently, and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rajpura-Inspired Spiced Lamb Curry take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 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 Rajpura-Inspired Spiced 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 lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rajpura-Inspired Spiced 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 Rajpura-Inspired Spiced 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 Rajpura-Inspired Spiced Lamb Curry?

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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