Surinamese Lamb Curry
Lams Curry
A fragrant and flavorful lamb curry, influenced by Indian and Indonesian culinary traditions, featuring tender lamb simmered in a rich, spiced gravy. This dish showcases the complex spice blends characteristic of Surinamese cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(grated)
- 1.5 tbsp Masala curry powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 or more Hot pepper (e.g., Madame Jeanette or Scotch Bonnet)(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 2 or more Stock cubes(chicken or vegetable)
- 300 ml Water(approximately, or as needed)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the lamb thoroughly under cold running water. If the lamb is very salty, you may need to boil it in water for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse again to remove excess salt.
💡 Tip: This step is crucial for removing excess saltiness if using salted lamb. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the masala curry powder, cumin powder, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the lamb cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides.
💡 Tip: Browning the lamb adds depth of flavor. - 6
Add the chopped hot pepper, stock cubes, and water. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
💡 Tip: Adjust the amount of hot pepper based on your spice preference. - 7
Bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if the curry becomes too dry. - 8
Season with salt to taste. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce it.
- 9
Serve hot, typically with rice, roti, or other accompaniments.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, marinate the lamb in the spices for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking.
- ✓If you can't find Madame Jeanette peppers, Scotch Bonnets are a good substitute.
- ✓Ensure the lamb is cooked until fork-tender for the best texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes to the curry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Include other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers.
- For a creamier curry, stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk or yogurt at the end of cooking.