I am a curry freak and a lamb freak, so what’s not to like in this! It’s very mild and rather soothing, so I think the curry novices will also like this
This is a recipe from Rachel Allen, an Irish recipe book writer and chef.
Serves 6
2 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp cardamon seeds
4 cloves
3 tbsp sunflower oil
4 onions, sliced
2 1/2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1 inch dice and fat removed
2 tsp ground turmeric
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp root ginger, finely chopped
1 red chili, seeds removed and finely chopped
salt and ground black pepper
2 cups cream
1/2 cup lamb or chicken stock
lime or 1/2 lemon, juiced
cilantro leaves for garnish
For the rice
1 lb basmati rice
2 tbsp butter
8 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Toast the seeds and cloves then crush them using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder
Pour 2 tbsp of the sunflower oil into a large lidded casserole dish or Dutch oven on a high heat, add the onions and saute for 5 minutes until softened and nicely golden.
Transfer to a bowl and add the remaining oil to the pan.
Place the lamb in the pan and sear until well browned, making sure the pieces of meat don’t touch, or they will not sear but steam.
Return the onions to the pan and all the seared meat and add the crushed spices along with the turmeric, garlic, ginger and chili.
Season with salt and pepper, toss everything together to combine and stir in the cream and stock, scraping any sediment from the bottom of the pan.
Bring slowly to the boil, then immediately reduce the heat and cover with a lid.
Leave to simmer gently for about 1 hour, removing the lid for the last 15 minutes.
*Alternatively, cook it in an ovenproof dish or pan, cooking in the oven, preheated to 325 F for an hour, leaving the lid on for the whole cooking time.
Check that the lamb is tender, cooking for a little longer if necessary
Add the lime or lemon juice and check the seasoning.
For the rice- Place the rice in double it’s volume of salted water or chicken broth, bring to the boil, cover with a lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the moisture has been absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow to stand for a few minutes, with the lid on.
Stir in the butter and cilantro, using a fork in order not to mash the rice