Slow Cooker Rajpura-Style Spiced Lamb Curry
Tender lamb simmered with a blend of aromatic spices inspired by the rich Punjabi flavors you might find in Rajpura, delivering a comforting, hearty curry. This indian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs large yellow onion, finely chopped, ginger paste, garlic paste 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 8 minutes until golden and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp ginger paste and 2 tbsp garlic paste to the onions, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp red chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices' aromas.
- Step 4: Add 2 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder pieces to the skillet, browning them on all sides for about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Transfer everything into a slow cooker and add 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Stir in 1 tsp garam masala and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving hot with basmati rice or naan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Rajpura-Style Spiced Lamb Curry take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 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 Rajpura-Style 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 ginger paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Rajpura-Style 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 Slow Cooker Rajpura-Style Spiced Lamb Curry 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 Cooker Rajpura-Style Spiced Lamb 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.
