Lamb and potato curry recipe from the ‘Brick Lane Cookbook’
Lamb and potato curry is a heart-warming meal full of flavours and spices perfect for dinner parties but also as a comfort food on drizzly days. This recipe is featured in the Brick Lane Cookbook written by Dina Begum and is inspired by the vibrant food scene of Brick Lane.
Brick Lane is known for its curry houses and Bangladeshi eateries, which is no surprise as the largest Bangladeshi population in the UK lives in the area that surrounds this famous foodie hotspot. This is a classic Bengali curry; it does take a little time but it is worth it. Make sure you get lamb on the bone as it is key to those distinct home-style flavours. Top tip: pair it with sides such as dhal, sautéed vegetables, and pilau rice for a unique gastronomic experience.
Ingredients
4 garlic cloves
5 cm piece ginger, roughly chopped
1 kg lamb shoulder on the bone, cut into 3 cm pieces
2 medium onions, sliced
1 bay leaf
1 stick cinnamon
6 peppercorns
4 cardamom pods
4 cloves
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 star anise
2 teaspoons salt
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chilli powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 tomato, chopped
700 g medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
3–4 whole green chillies
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
Process
Use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic and ginger to a paste and place with the meat in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the onions, bay, cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, cloves, mustard, seeds, star anise, and salt.
When the lamb begins to release its juices, place the lid on and leave to cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
By now the onions will have almost disintegrated. Turn up the heat to medium and add the oil, stirring through to coat all the meat.
Next, add the ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, chilli powder, paprika, and garam masala and cook for a few minutes, stirring regularly.
Mix in the chopped tomato and about 100ml water. Cover and cook on medium heat for ten minutes, checking on it regularly and giving it the odd stir. Add a dash of water if you feel that the meat is catching, or drying out too much.
Stir in the potatoes and chillies and cook for five minutes.
Add enough hot water to just cover the meat and potatoes and shake the pan gently to mix instead of stirring – the meat and potato will absorb the spices better.
Bring to the boil and simmer on medium-low with the lid on for 20 minutes or until the potato pieces are soft and tender. Check the seasoning and sprinkle over the chopped coriander just before taking off the heat.
Serve with rice, vegetables, or naan.
If you liked this recipe, why not try another great curry-style meal, a wholesome Kadhi.
