Lamb Korma

Lamb Korma

Serves 6

8 cloves garlic
1-inch piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 pounds boneless lamb leg, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 yellow onions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
3/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Place the garlic, ginger and water in a blender or small food processor and blend into a smooth paste, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 225°F and adjust racks to the lower third of the oven. Warm the oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy, oven-safe pot over high heat. Working in batches, brown the lamb pieces and set them aside in a bowl. Reduce heat to medium-high, add the onions to the pot and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, until onions are soft and translucent. Add the spices and salt and toast for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently, until very fragrant. Add the garlic-ginger paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until most of the water in the paste has boiled away.

Add the lamb pieces and their accumulated juices, the coconut milk and the tomatoes to the pan, and stir to combine. Cover, bring to a boil and place in oven. Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until lamb is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Can be served immediately, but for best flavor and texture, refrigerate for 1 or 2 days before serving. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and serve over rice or a roasted sweet potato.

Recipe Notes

·         To make this recipe in the slow cooker, follow the directions above. After cooking the garlic-ginger paste, scrape the contents of the pot into the slow cooker, and add the lamb and juices, coconut milk and tomatoes. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.

·         This recipe can be doubled for a larger dinner party without any adjustments.