Best Easy Lamb Shahi Kurma Recipe

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.

Cook 105 min Difficulty NORMAL 445 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • lamb shoulder (boneless, cut into 1.5-inch cubes) 2 lbs
  • onion (thinly sliced) 2 pieces
  • yogurt (plain, whole milk) 1 cup
  • cashew nuts (raw, unsalted) 0.5 cup
  • heavy cream 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ginger-garlic paste 2 tbsp
  • ghee (clarified butter) 3 tbsp
  • saffron threads 0.25 tsp
  • ground coriander 2 tsp
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • ground turmeric 0.5 tsp
  • ground cardamom 0.5 tsp
  • whole cloves 4 pieces
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • cinnamon stick 1 piece
  • salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 10 g 9%
Protein 29 g 26%
Fat 32 g 65%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak cashew nuts in 1/2 cup warm water for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth to make a paste.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee, ginger-garlic paste, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add lamb cubes and sear on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring to brown all sides without steaming.

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    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.

  8. 8

    Turn off heat, let rest covered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot with naan or steamed basmati rice.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Lamb Shahi Kurma recipe?
The defining ingredient is lamb shoulder, which delivers deep flavor and tender texture through slow braising. Additionally, cashew paste and saffron are vital to the luxurious, royal identity of shahi kurma, creating the signature creamy sauce and delicate aroma.
Q. What is the most critical cooking step for authentic flavor?
Properly browning the onions and lamb cubes is paramount. Sautéing onions until golden (step 2) builds sweetness and depth, while searing the lamb (step 4) locks in moisture and flavor, setting the foundation for the dish’s richness.
Q. How do I avoid curdling when adding yogurt to the kurma?
To prevent curdling, reduce heat to low before adding the yogurt gradually, stirring constantly. Maintaining gentle heat dissolves the yogurt uniformly without splitting, ensuring your kurma stays creamy.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving contains about 445 kcal and 29g of protein. This means Lamb Shahi Kurma provides a high protein content, making it suitable for those seeking a protein-rich dish.
Q. What gives this dish its creamy texture?
The rich, creamy consistency is achieved through a blend of cashew paste, yogurt, and a touch of heavy cream. Each step—soaking and blending the cashews, slow stirring, and finishing with cream—ensures the sauce is velvety-smooth and luxurious.
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