Lamb Pasanda

This curry is very straight forward to make.  It is a wonderful warming & comforting curry for this time of year!

Serves 4

Prep time:  15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)

Cooking time:  1 hour

Ingredients

600g boneless leg of lamb, cut into 2.5cm cubes

2 tbsp garlic paste

2 tbsp ginger paste

3 tbsp vegetable oil

3 large onions, chopped

1 green chilli, deseeded & finely chopped

2 green cardamom pods, bruised

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp turmeric

250 ml water

150ml double cream

4 tbsp ground almonds

1 ½ tsp salt

1 tsp garam masala

To serve

Toasted flaked almonds

Basmati rice or Indian breads

Preparation method

1.  In a large bowl add the cubed lamb, garlic paste and ginger paste.  Use your hands to rub the paste into the lamb, cover and set aside in a cool place to marinate for at least 2 hours.

2.  In a large frying pan heat the oil over a medium heat, add the onions and chilli.  Now gently fry, stirring frequently for 5-8 minutes until softened and golden.

3.  Now add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, coriander, cumin and turmeric.  Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes or until the spices are aromatic.

4.  Add the lamb, cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.  Stir in the water, bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer.  Cover the pan tightly and allow to simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender.

5.  Meanwhile in a small bowl add the double cream and ground almonds and mix together.  When the lamb is tender add 4 tablespoons of the cooking liquid to the cream and stir through.  Now add this to the lamb, with the salt and garam masala.

6.  Allow to simmer for a further 5 minutes uncovered.  Serve on warmed plates with a sprinkling of toasted flaked almonds and rice or Indian breads (or both), enjoy!