Slow-Cooked Lamb Curry with Tamarind and Sweet Potato
A fragrant slow-cooked Australian lamb curry featuring tender lamb, tangy tamarind, and sweet potato, inspired by home-cooked family dinners. This australian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs large (200g), finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, tamarind paste 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g), cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 2 medium (400g), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 1 large (200g), finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 inch piece, grated (about 1 tbsp) ginger
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken stock
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (10g), chopped for garnish fresh coriander
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion (200g), 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander; cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 3: Add 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes (900g) and sear for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 can (400ml) coconut milk, 1 cup chicken stock (240ml), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and slow-cook for 1.5 hours until lamb is tender.
- Step 6: Add 2 peeled and diced medium sweet potatoes (400g) to the pot, stir, cover, and continue cooking for 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (10g) before serving with steamed rice or warm flatbreads.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Curry with Tamarind and Sweet Potato take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Cooked Lamb Curry with Tamarind and Sweet Potato?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Curry with Tamarind and Sweet Potato?
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 Slow-Cooked Lamb Curry with Tamarind and Sweet Potato 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 Slow-Cooked Lamb Curry with Tamarind and Sweet Potato?
Australian 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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