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Lamb Saag Recipe

Lamb Saag

Tender pieces of lamb simmered in a spiced, smooth spinach curry with aromatic ginger, garlic, and warm spices.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Lamb and Base
  • 750 g lamb shoulder cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil divided
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 2 medium tomatoes pureed or finely chopped
Spices
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
Spinach Gravy
  • 500 g fresh spinach washed and trimmed
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 240 ml water for braising

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven Used for browning the meat and simmering the curry.
  • 1 * Blender Used to puree the cooked spinach.

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the lamb and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the remaining oil if needed. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste, cooking for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
  3. Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir for 30 seconds, then add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture, about 5 minutes.
  4. Return the browned lamb to the pot and mix well with the masala. Pour in 240 ml (1 cup) of water, bring to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the lamb is fork-tender, about 40 to 45 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F at the thickest piece.
  5. While the lamb is simmering, blanch the fresh spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer immediately to ice water. Drain well and blend into a coarse puree.
  6. Add the spinach puree and ghee to the cooked lamb. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir in the garam masala and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of red chili powder depending on your preferred spice level.