Southern Indian Lamb Curry

I'm a big Food Network fiend and so I was intrigued the other day when I saw Tyler Florence make an "Ultimate Indian Dinner" on his show.

He made Lamb Curry, raita and samosas. Haven't made this recipe yet - but I'm gonna try it this weekend. As for the samosas... I'm on a mission to find one authentic recipe, and one that is easy - so that I can compare them in a later blog.

Southern Indian Lamb Curry
serves 8, Prep: 35 min., Cook 40 min.

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence and Food Network

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cloves
• 1 1/2 tablespoon cumin seed
• 11/2 tablespoon fennel seed
• 1 1/2 tablespoon coriander seed
• 1 1/2 tablespoons turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 10 fresh curry leaves
• 3 pounds boned shoulder lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 fresh red chili
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 large fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 cup plain unsweetened natural yogurt
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1 scallion, cut into strips
• 6 cups steamed basmati rice

Directions:

1. Begin by setting a large, heavy-based pot over medium heat. Grind the cloves, fennel, cumin, coriander, and turmeric in a spice grinder. Add oil to the hot pot and pour in the spices. Throw in cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, curry leaves, and chilli. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic - be careful, the leaves will splatter a little. While they are toasting, add onion, garlic and ginger to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
2. Season cubed lamb with salt and pepper then add to the pot of oil and spices. Brown all over, about 5-7 minutes.Add onion puree and sweat a little to remove some of the moisture - about 8 minutes. Stir with a wooden spoon as you go. Now add fresh tomatoes and cover slightly with lid. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes until the lamb is tender. Remove the lid and skim fat off the surface. Fold in the yogurt and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and scallions serve with steamed basmati rice and raita.

Copied from FoodNetwork.com on Wed. Nov. 4, 2009

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