Spiced Rajpura-Inspired Lamb Curry with Garam Masala

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Indian lamb curry infused with aromatic garam masala and fresh tomatoes, creating a rich and comforting dish perfect for rice or naan. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 90 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cubed, vegetable oil, large (150g) onion, finely chopped 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: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed lamb shoulder and brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 2 tsp garam masala. Cook spices with onion mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Return lamb to the pot along with 1 cup chopped tomatoes, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp salt, and 1 cup water. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving hot alongside basmati rice or naan.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rajpura-Inspired Lamb Curry with Garam Masala take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Spiced Rajpura-Inspired Lamb Curry with Garam Masala?

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, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rajpura-Inspired Lamb Curry with Garam Masala?

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 Spiced Rajpura-Inspired Lamb Curry with Garam Masala 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 Spiced Rajpura-Inspired Lamb Curry with Garam Masala?

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.

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