Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry

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

Tender lamb shanks simmered low and slow in a fragrant garam masala-spiced tomato gravy, perfect for a comforting meal. This indian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs (about 3 lbs) lamb shanks, olive 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 650 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 lamb shanks and brown on all sides for about 8 minutes until golden and sealed, then transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion, 6 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp turmeric powder; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup water, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then pour the sauce over the lamb shanks in the slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the lamb is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank 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 (about 3 lbs) lamb shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank 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 Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank 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 Slow Cooker Garam Masala Lamb Shank Curry?

Indian slow cooker 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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