Ingredients
Spice blend
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 1 black cardamom pod
- 1 small cinnamon stick (about 3 cm)
- 4 cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
Main
- 800 g lamb shoulder, cut into 3 cm cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 33 g tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes (about 350g), roughly chopped, or 400g tinned tomatoes
- 150 g Greek yoghurt
- 250 ml beef or chicken stock
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 g caster sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh coriander leaves, to serve
Method
Make the spice blend
Heat a small frying pan over medium heat with no oil. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, and cardamom pods (both types), cinnamon stick, and cloves.
Toast for 1½ to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the seeds begin to colour — do not let them burn.
Tip into a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind until you have a coarse powder. You should have about 2 tablespoons of ground spice.
Transfer to a small bowl and stir through the ground ginger and turmeric. Set aside.
Cook the curry
Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan, brown the lamb cubes on all sides — about 3 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the same pot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, coating the onion well.
Add the ground spice blend and stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Return the lamb and any resting juices to the pot. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stock. Add the bay leaves.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is very tender and the sauce has reduced slightly.
Finish and serve
Stir the yoghurt into the curry in a thin stream, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. The sauce should thicken slightly and take on a richer, creamier character.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt. Stir in the sugar and lemon juice.
Simmer uncovered for a further 5 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency — it should coat the back of a spoon.
Discard the bay leaves. Scatter fresh coriander leaves over the top and serve with basmati rice or warm naan.




