Slow-Cooked Northern Punjab Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Yogurt

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

A rich and aromatic lamb curry slow-cooked with fragrant cardamom pods and creamy yogurt, inspired by the robust flavors of Northern Punjab. This Indian-inspired lamb recipe, ready in about 150 minutes, pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, plain yogurt, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Cook: 130 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 8 whole green cardamom pods and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 finely chopped medium onions and sauté for 8 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 6 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon red chili powder; cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder cut into chunks and sear on all sides for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 1 cup plain yogurt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; mix well to coat the lamb evenly.
  7. Step 7: Pour in 1 1/2 cups water, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  8. Step 8: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving hot with basmati rice or naan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Northern Punjab Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Yogurt take to make?

Total time is about 150 minutes (20 min prep + 130 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 Northern Punjab Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Yogurt?

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 bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Northern Punjab Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Yogurt?

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 Northern Punjab Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Yogurt 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 Northern Punjab Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Yogurt?

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.

Related recipes