Easy Lamb Shank Curry
Today, we’re bringing you a recipe that combines rich flavors with simplicity: Easy Lamb Shank Curry from Indian cuisine. This dish is perfect as the centerpiece for special occasions or for enjoying a cozy evening at home.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lamb Shank Curry Recipe
Lamb Shank Curry is known for its robust flavor and tender meat. This simplified version keeps the delicious taste while making the cooking process easier, perfect even for beginners. With a mix of aromatic spices, this curry will quickly become a household favorite.
Tips for Serving with Lamb Shank Curry
- Serve over warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with raita, a yogurt mixture with cucumber and mint, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the rich curry flavors.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a colorful and refreshing touch.
A Brief History of Curry
Curry has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, dating back over four thousand years. The word “curry” comes from the Tamil word “kari,” meaning sauce or gravy. Originally, Indian curries used spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Over time, regional variations developed: Northern India favored creamy, yogurt-based curries, such as this easy lamb shank curry that we are introducing today, while Southern India preferred coconut milk-based versions. The Portuguese introduced chili peppers, enhancing Indian cuisine further. British colonists and Indian migrants spread curry globally, creating diverse versions like chicken tikka masala in the UK, Thai green curry, Malaysian rendang, and Caribbean curry goat. Today, curry is enjoyed worldwide, reflecting a rich blend of flavors and cultures.
Variations to Try
If you like to experiment in the kitchen, here are a few variations of Lamb Shank Curry to try:
- Spicy Vindaloo Style: Add more chili peppers and a touch of vinegar for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Coconut Milk Version: Replace some of the broth with coconut milk for a creamier texture and subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to make the curry more hearty and nutritious.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like mint or fenugreek leaves towards the end of cooking to enhance the aroma.
Conclusion
This Easy Lamb Shank Curry curry proves a flavorful and sophisticated dish without spending hours in the kitchen; Perfect for special occasions or quiet evenings at home. Gather your ingredients, follow a few simple steps, and enjoy a delicious Indian meal right in your own kitchen.
Easy Lamb Shank Curry
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 lamb shanks
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 potato cubed
- 3 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 jalapeno pepper sliced
- 4 tablespoon ghee or substitute with unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
Instructions
- Gather All Ingredients: Ensure you have all the ingredients ready.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, cubing the potato, and mincing the garlic. Slice the jalapeno pepper and set everything aside.
- Prepare the Lamb: French the lamb shanks. Rinse the lamb shanks under cold water and pat them dry. Use a sharp knife to make a cut all the way around the shank, about 1-2 inches from the end of the bone. Trim away the meat, fat, and sinew from the end of the shank up to the cut, exposing the bone. Scrape any remaining bits off the exposed bone to clean it.
- Sear the Lamb Shanks: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the ghee (or unsalted butter) over medium-high heat. Add the lamb shanks and sear them on all sides until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This helps to lock in the flavors and juices. Remove the lamb shanks and set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add one tablespoon of ghee. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Add all the seven spices, including cumin seeds, whole cloves, coriander seeds, red chili powder, curry powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the pot. Toast the spices for a few minutes to release their aromatic oils until the veggies become caramelized.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cubed potato and stir-fry for a minute. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add the sliced jalapeno.
- Add Water: Add water to cover the lamb shanks and add bay leaves.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the curry simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The lamb should become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Continue to Cook: Uncover the pot, add yogurt and cilantro, and simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the lamb shanks are cooked through and tender, your Easy Lamb Shank Curry is ready to serve. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Video
Notes
- Brown the Lamb: Searing the lamb shanks before simmering adds depth to the flavor. Make sure to brown them well on all sides.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the curry sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to develop further and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Complement with raita or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers: This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.