Sweet Lamb Curry Recipe

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 3 pounds cubed lamb stew meat
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and cubed
• 1 cup chicken stock
• cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1: Place the flour in a resealable plastic bag and season with salt and black pepper. Add the lamb cubes to the bag and shake until evenly coated with the flour.

Step 2: In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the lamb in batches, cooking until its golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, set the lamb aside.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot. Stir in the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the cubed apple, chicken stock, raisins, brown sugar, curry powder, and the browned lamb back into the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the dish simmer for 1 to 1 hours, or until the lamb is very tender.

Step 6: Stir in the lemon juice and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes before serving.

Cooks Note

For an added touch, I like to serve this curry with bananas drenched in lemon juice, cucumber (peeled and seeded) in yogurt, mango chutney, or toasted coconut.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 577
• Total Fat: 26g (34% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (62% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 203mg (68% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 375mg (16% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g (11% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 19g
• Protein: 56g (111% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 68mg (5% Daily Value)
• Iron: 6mg (35% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1033mg (22% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Sweet Lamb Curry, as the name suggests, is a deliciously aromatic and mildly spicy dish that combines the richness of lamb with the natural sweetness of fruits like apples and raisins. This curry offers a unique take on the traditional lamb curry, infusing it with a sweet element that balances the depth of the spices.

Origin and History

The history of curry dishes can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where spices and herbs have been used for centuries to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of food. The concept of a sweet curry, however, is relatively more modern, and blends influences from various culinary traditions. The use of fruits like raisins and apples in curry can be linked to British colonial influence on Indian cuisine. During the British Raj, many Indian dishes were adapted to suit Western tastes, often incorporating sweeter elements, and this blend eventually led to the creation of dishes like Sweet Lamb Curry. Today, this dish represents a fusion of traditional Indian techniques with a dash of Western culinary innovation.

Regional Variations

While lamb curry is a staple across India and its neighboring countries, the Sweet Lamb Curry is a variation typically found in more cosmopolitan or fusion kitchens, where traditional curry recipes are given a new twist. In Indian states like Punjab, lamb curries are commonly made with rich, spicy gravies, but the sweet element in Sweet Lamb Curry is a distinctive feature that sets it apart. This dish is also popular in British cuisine, particularly in regions with a large South Asian community, where curry dishes are commonly modified to cater to a range of taste preferences, from spicy to mildly sweet.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Sweet Lamb Curry stands out from other lamb curries due to its unique blend of sweetness and spice. Traditional lamb curries, such as Rogan Josh or Lamb Korma, focus on the savory, spicy flavors of meats and vegetables, with spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander being the star ingredients. In contrast, Sweet Lamb Curry incorporates the natural sweetness of fruits like apples and raisins, balancing the curry powders heat with a delicate sugary undertone. The addition of brown sugar and the option to include lemon juice at the end creates a more rounded, aromatic flavor profile. This is different from classic spicy lamb dishes, which tend to be more intense and rich in flavor.

Where to Serve Sweet Lamb Curry

Sweet Lamb Curry is a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions. It is commonly enjoyed as a comforting meal during the cooler months, thanks to its rich, warming flavors. It pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice, Indian flatbreads like naan, or even lentils, making it an excellent choice for a hearty dinner. In the West, Sweet Lamb Curry can be found in both Indian restaurants and fusion eateries, often as part of a larger menu of curries. It is a popular dish for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even casual weeknight meals. The mild flavor also makes it suitable for children and those who may not be fond of spicier curries.

Interesting Facts

• In many Indian households, lamb is a special meat often reserved for festivals and celebrations. Its tender texture and rich flavor make it ideal for slow-cooked curries like Sweet Lamb Curry.
• The use of fruits like apples and raisins in savory curries is not unique to Indian cuisine. In fact, many Middle Eastern and North African dishes also use fruits like apricots, dates, and pomegranates to add sweetness to their savory stews.
• The flavor profile of Sweet Lamb Curry can be adjusted by varying the sweetness. Some recipes call for a generous amount of sugar, while others may only include a small amount to allow the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine through.
• While lamb is the traditional meat used in this dish, it can easily be substituted with other meats like chicken or beef for those who prefer different proteins.

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