Lamb shahi kurma is a royal Mughlai preparation with cashew paste, saffron, and slow-braised lamb. This high protein dish transforms any family dinner into a regal feast.
Soak cashew nuts in 1/2 cup warm water for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth to make a paste.
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 12 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure even browning.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee, ginger-garlic paste, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add lamb cubes and sear on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring to brown all sides without steaming.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Add yogurt slowly, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Mix in the cashew paste and cover. Simmer on very low heat for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes and keeping the lid slightly ajar to manage moisture.
Check lamb with a fork; it should be very tender. Stir in heavy cream and saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm water. Cook, uncovered, on low for 10 more minutes to gently thicken and infuse the saffron.
Turn off heat, let rest covered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot with naan or steamed basmati rice.