Smith's Spiced Lamb Curry
A rich and aromatic lamb curry infused with warming spices, served over fluffy basmati rice for a hearty meal. This indian-inspired 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 medium, diced tomato
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook 1.5 cups basmati rice according to package instructions. Serve curry over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Indian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
