Slow-Cooked Tomato Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Cinnamon
A deeply flavorful slow-cooked lamb curry enriched with warm cardamom and cinnamon, simmered in a spiced tomato gravy. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 150 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes lamb shoulder, vegetable oil, large, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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, cut into 1.5-inch cubes lamb shoulder
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, finely chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 pods, lightly crushed green cardamom pods
- 1 can (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 2 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, then transfer lamb to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 2 tsp ground coriander, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 5 lightly crushed green cardamom pods; cook while stirring for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Step 6: Return the browned lamb to the pot and pour in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes along with 1 cup water and 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 7: Cover the pot partially and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender.
- Step 8: Stir in 1/2 cup plain yogurt and cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Step 9: Remove cardamom pods, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with basmati rice or flatbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Tomato Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Cinnamon 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 Tomato Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Cinnamon?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tomato Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Cinnamon?
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 Tomato Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Cinnamon 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 Tomato Lamb Curry with Cardamom and Cinnamon?
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
Braised Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Red Chili Paste
Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Kashmiri Chili
Indian-Spiced Lamb Curry with Aromatic Nepali Influences
Saffron-Infused Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Lamb
Slow-Cooked Indian Lamb Curry with Garam Masala
Slow-Cooked Indian Lamb Curry with Warm Garam Masala
