Smith's Spiced Lamb Curry

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

A rich and aromatic lamb curry infused with warming spices, served over fluffy basmati rice for a hearty meal. This indian ready in about 90 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, large onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 70 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 2 minutes until aromatic. Stir in coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add lamb shoulder, breaking it into 1-inch cubes. Cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides. Pour in diced tomatoes and yogurt, stirring to combine. Add 2 cups water, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until lamb is tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 1.5 cups basmati rice according to package instructions. Serve curry over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smith's Spiced Lamb Curry take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Smith's 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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's 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 Smith's Spiced Lamb 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 Smith's Spiced Lamb Curry?

Indian indian 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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