SHAN’S LAMB OR MUTTON CURRY

½ cup of oil
1 kg lamb or mutton pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped – optional
5 large potatoes, cut in bite sizes
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch of fresh chopped coriander
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
4 to 5 chillies, depending how hot you prefer
Dry ingredients:
3 cloves
3 cardamom
1 large piece of stick cinnamon
1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds
1 tablespoon curry leaves
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
mutton curry spice
1 tablespoon sugar
salt to your taste

Add oil to a pot.
Add the cumin seeds first and let it roast for 2 minutes.
Add cardamom, cloves, stick cinnamon and coriander seeds, and fry for 1 minute.
Add onions till golden brown.
Add chopped tomatoes, sugar and spices.
Lower the heat, then add meat and a cup of water and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Now add potatoes and curry leaves, simmer for another 30 minutes, adding additional water.
Make sure the meat is tender.
Add salt and fresh coriander.
Serve with Basmati rice, plain yogurt and sambal.

Recipe and photo: Shan T Russ