#5: Lamb and Potato Curry

Last Sunday I decided it was time for something Indian. Going through my current favorite Indian cookbook, cookbynumbers indian, I found something that looked very tasty and a change of pace: Aloo Gosht, described as a "lamb and potato curry". I added a little too much broth and ended up with more of a stew than what was pictured in the book, but it was tasty nonetheless. I couldn't find the garam masala, so I had to do without, but I'm leaving it in my version here for future reference, as I think it would have been helpful to the final flavor.

Aloo Gosht - Lamb and Potato Curry
2lb boneless lamb, cubed
1lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
1c beef stock(1)

Bowl 1:
* 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, coursely chopped
* about 2 inches from a fresh ginger root, grated or finely chopped

Bowl 2:
* 2 tsp turmeric
* 1 tsp coriander
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 2 tsp chili powder
* 6 cloves
* 6 cardamom pods

Bowl 3:
* 2 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
* 3 tsp garam masala
* 1 tsp salt

Heat enough oil to coat the bottom of a large pan then add Bowl 1 and cook 3-4 minutes, until the onions are starting to brown. Add Bowl 2 and stir to coat the onion with spice, cooking another 1-2 minutes. Add the meat and again stir to coat with spices and brown the meat. Pour in stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.

Add the potatoes and stir well. Cover and continue to simmer another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

Add Bowl 3 and stir well. Leave uncovered and simmer another 5-10 minutes.


Normally I would have served a curry with rice, but I totally forgot to start any, so instead I served with naan and a bit of lebneh(2). Yumm!
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(1) I actually used broth, not stock. Culinarily I know I miss out on some flavors doing that, but I can get a good broth in quart boxes from Whole Foods that I like, and it's easy.

(2) To be culturally correct I should have used a regular yogurt, but lebneh is what I had on hand, and besides I love the stuff! Here's to cross-cultural meals!