Learn to make palak gosht with Indian cooking expert, Monica Haldar.
Lamb Curry - Palak Gosht
Lamb on the bone, cut into small chunks: 500 g
Yogurt: 3 tbsp
Kiwi, peeled & mashed into a paste: 1
Salt: 1 tbsp
Chili pepper: 3, dried
Oil: 6-7 tbsp
Green cardamom: 3, crushed
Black cardamom: 1, crushed
Peppercorns: 8
Cinnamon: 3cms, stick/cassia
Bay: 2
Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
Potatoes: 100 g, cut into small chunks
Master masala: 300-400 g
Salt: ½ tsp, or according to taste
Chili pepper: ¼ tsp, or according to taste
Spinach leaves: 150 g, washed
Kasuri methi: 3 pinches
Sun-dried fenugreek leaves: Optional
Bone-in lamb pieces are first marinated, then cooked in Monica's Master Masala and finally roasted in the oven with fresh spinach. The recipe also includes a secret ingredient, which results in tender, falling-off-the-bone lamb, in less than an hour.
Method
Place all lamb marination ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and if you have time, allow to marinate for up to 24 hours (the longer the better).
Pre-heat oven at 240c.
Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, add the whole spices (add what you have in).
When the spices begin to sizzle, add the marinated lamb. Cook on a high heat and mix, allowing meat to seal for 3-4 minutes. You are looking for any water that is released from the lamb to completely evaporate. Then add the potatoes and mix again. Now, reduce the heat and add the Master Masala and stir through.
Add hot water to cover everything in the pan (approx. 700ml) and mix well. Add salt, chilli powder and sugar. Place a lid on and put in the oven
Cook for 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to 180c, mix and cook for 25 minutes.
While the lamb is in the oven, wilt the spinach along with 100ml water for 3-4 minutes until soft and tender. Allow to cool. Then, using a food processor, grind into a paste. Keep aside.
When the lamb has cooked for 25 minutes, add the spinach paste to it and mix. Place the lid back on and cook for a further 10 minutes.
Remove the palak gosht from the oven. Taste for salt/chilli etc., and adjust accordingly. Garnish with cream and serve with rice or your favourite Indian bread.