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Veena Azmanov

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Slow Cooker Lamb Curry Recipe

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Recipe Video Print

Best Ever Slow-Cooker Lamb Curry Recipe (video)

This Indian lamb curry recipe is as simple as putting everything in the slow-cooker and forgetting all about it. The meat is cooked along with the wonderful aromatics of curry powder and coconut milk until it's fork-tender.

Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut Milk
Indian Curry Recipe - Lamb with Curry Powder and Coconut Milk

Most of my friends complain that Indian food is not easy to cook. Obviously, it is a labor of love and does include not just a few extra steps but often a long list of ingredients. Unlike my authentic slow-cooker lamb curry, where I used a long list of spices, this one uses only curry powder and garam masala. I'm sure those of you who love Indian food but don't have an Indian pantry will appreciate this recipe.

About this Indian lamb curry

The few important things to remember about making a simple Indian curry like this is that it really all depends on the brand of curry powder and garam masala you use. There are no good or bad brands, but rather every brand uses a different blend of spices. So, experiment with the one that you like most. Or make your own. I bet you may even have the spices in your pantry.

I'm using the slow-cooker today, but you can certainly make this on the stovetop and I will give the instructions below.

Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut Milk
Indian Curry Recipe - Lamb with Curry Powder and Coconut Milk

Ingredients and substitutes (save/pin)

  • Lamb - I prefer to use a lamb shoulder or leg for slow cooking. The meat does take longer to cook, but it comes out tender and juicy.
  • Onions - When making things in the slow-cooker, I prefer shallots because they cook down nicely. Or, I prefer to use sautéed onions.
  • Ginger and garlic - Indian food is all about fresh flavors, so yes, please use fresh ginger and garlic.
  • Coconut milk- Coconut adds richness to the lamb. If you do not want to use coconut milk, you can also use Greek yogurt similar to my lamb masala.
  • Curry powder - Of course, I'm using my homemade curry powder. And yet, you can use store-bought as well.
  • Garam Masala - Again, I am using my homemade garam masala, but you can use store-bought just as well.
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut Milk
Indian Curry Recipe - Lamb with Curry Powder and Coconut Milk

How to make slow-cooked lamb curry (save/pin)

Slow cooker

  • Cut the lamb into large chunks.
  • Add all ingredients into the slow cooker and combine well.
  • I start with the oil, shallots, ginger, garlic - combine well.
  • Then, add the curry powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper - combine well.
  • Next, add the coconut milk, meat, lemon juice, and water. Combine well.
  • Set the slow-cooker or crockpot on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures1
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures3
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures2
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures4

Stovetop

  • Use a heavy bottom saute pan or Dutch-oven.
  • Saute onions in oil for a minute.
  • Then, add the garlic and ginger - sauté a minute.
  • Next, add the meat and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Then, add the curry powder, garam masala, and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the coconut milk and water.
  • Cover and simmer on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking at the bottom. Also, if necessary, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water at a time to ensure it has enough liquid to cook.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures5
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures7
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures6
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut MilkSlow Cooker Lamb Curry Progress Pictures8
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut Milk

Slow-cooker Lamb Curry

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 19 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Calories: 196kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 8 servings

Description

This Indian lamb curry recipe is as simple as putting everything in the slow-cooker and forgetting all about it. The meat is cooked along with the wonderful aromatics of curry powder and coconut milk until it's fork-tender.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) Lamb shoulder cut into large chunks
  • 2 tbsp Cooking oil
  • 8 Shallots halved
  • 1 tbsp Ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp Garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp Curry powder
  • 1 tbsp Cayenne powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Water or broth
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Slow cooker

  • Cut the lamb into large chunks.
  • Add all ingredients into the slow cooker and combine well.
  • I start with the oil, shallots, ginger, garlic - combine well.
  • Then, add the curry powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper - combine well.
  • Next, add the coconut milk, meat, lemon juice, and water. Combine well.
  • Set the slow-cooker or crockpot on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Stovetop

  • Use a heavy bottom saute pan or Dutch-oven.
  • Sauté onions in oil for a minute.
  • Then, add the garlic and ginger - saute a minute
  • Next, add the meat and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Then, add the curry powder, garam masala, and lemon juice.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the coconut milk and water.
  • Cover and simmer on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking at the bottom. Also, if necessary add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water at a time to ensure it has enough liquid to cook.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Recipe Notes

 

Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot Lamb Curry

  • The only other way to cook these cuts of meat quicker would be to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
  • You can make this dish using the pressure cooker or IP.
  • Follow the stovetop method and pressure cook for 20 minutes
 

The secret to lamb curry

There are two secrets to making a good lamb curry.
  1. The meat you use to make a lamb or mutton curry is very important. The shoulder or leg is the part of the lamb that gets most exercised which means it's tougher. It takes longer to cook, but also has the opportunity to absorb more flavor. So, don't skip on the slow cooking.
    The only other way to cook these cuts of meat quicker would be to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. You can make this dish using the pressure cooker or IP. Follow the stovetop method and pressure cook for 20 minutes.
  2. When possible, use meat with bone or ask your butcher to give you a few spare bones that you can throw in while the curry is cooking. Later you can discard them before serving. The bones add flavor to the curry.

Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting boards
Kitchen Knife
Nutrition Information
Calories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 17gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 355mgPotassium: 404mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 3mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Did you make this recipe? Tag @veenaazmanov on instagram or #hashtag it #veenaazmanov
Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut Milk
Indian Curry Recipe - Lamb with Curry Powder and Coconut Milk

Frequently asked questions

Is this lamb curry spicy?

Lamb curry can be spicy, but my curry powder is quite mild, which is why I add cayenne when required. You can add less or omit the cayenne if you prefer it mild.

Can I make this with yogurt?

Yes, you can use the same amount of yogurt instead of coconut milk.

Can I omit the garam masala?

Yes, if you want you can omit the garam masala powder. Garam masala is similar to pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice. It does add a nice flavor and aroma to the dish.

Can I use spices instead of curry powder?

Yes, if you have Indian spices on hand you can use this slow-cooker lamb curry, which uses individual spices or this slow-cooked lamb curry, which is slightly different than this one.

Can I use other meats to make this lamb curry recipe?

You can use lamb, mutton, beef, chicken or pork. You must try my slow-cooked chicken curry, slow-cooked beef curry, lamb masala or Lamb rogan josh.

What can I serve this lamb curry recipe with?

You can eat Indian lamb curry with Stovetop Indian Naan or garlic naan, Indian Chapati, Sweet potato chapati. Steamed rice or try my Rice pilaf with fruit and nuts. Today, I serve it with some homemade roti and steamed rice.

What else can I make with lamb?

Oh, lamb is such a versatile dish. Here are some Indian as well as non-Indian lamb recipes I have shared on this blog.
Lamb Biryani
Grilled Lamb Chops with Cilantro Chutney
Lamb Rogan Josh
Slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta.
Roast Lamb shoulder in Red Wine sauce
Herb crusted roast leg of lamb
Slow-cooked Lamb masala

Troubleshooting

My lamb curry does not have a red color?

The spices used gives the curry it's color. In this case, my rich curry powder and cayennes give this curry it rich color. The curry powder you use will decide the color of your curry.

My lamb is over-cooked

You want to cook the lamb curry recipe until its just fork-tender. Otherwise, it will break apart and you won't have pieces of lamb just pulled lamb meat in the recipe. I suggest you check at 4 hours on low and 5 hours on high. Turn the heat off and keep warm.

My lamb curry is too oily

The fat on the meat will be rendered during the process of slow cooking. This fat will float above the curry. You can remove it if yo you want. Alternatively, you can remove as much fat from the meat before cooking. Having said that, you do want some fat for flavor.

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Indian Curry Recipe with Lamb, Curry Powder and Coconut Milk
Indian Curry Recipe - Lamb with Curry Powder and Coconut Milk

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Whether you call this Lamb rogan josh or mutton rogan josh doesn't matter. This Indian classic is made with mutton or lamb cooked with yogurt sauce and caramelized onions. Wonderful Indian spices perfume the lamb with rich authentic flavors, aroma, and color. With my simplified rogan josh recipe, no one will believe you made it at home.
Lamb masala also called mutton masala is a classic Indian meat dish with a distinct flavor and aroma. The process is simple, easy and effortless with exotic Indian spices that make this dish a true success. Weather you eat it with Indian chapati naan or plain white rice this dish is to die for. 
Indian Slow Cooked Lamb Masala aka Mutton Masala
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Related posts:

This slow cooker Indian chicken curry recipe will surprise you because it's so simple, easy and effortless. Ten minutes of hands on work and three hours unsupervised slow cooking will give you this beautiful deep red curry you can enjoy over a bowl of rice or just simple crusty bread. Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry Recipe - Crock Pot Recipe How to cook lamb in a crock pot or slow cooker until fork tenderSlow Cooker Lamb Easy Indian Curry made with Lamb and coconut milkIndian Lamb Curry Recipe This slow cooked beef goulash is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that produces fork tender, melt in the mouth meat that's richly flavored with garlic, cloves and caraway before slow cooking for hours. Traditionally served with noodles but goes equally well with mashed potatoes or steamed rice. Best Slow Cooker Beef Goulash Recipe

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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Len

    Thermometer hovering between 1 and 3 degrees here today so this went down an absolute treat. Easy to cook and even easier to eat.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      I am so happy to hear that Len. Wow, that's cold. We are still enjoying some warm days and cooler evenings. But, our winter never gets to below 10 C degress

      Reply

  2. Jude

    Hey thanks so much for the beautiful recipe.
    One question, before I put everything in the slow cooker the gravy was at a good thick consistency but after I cooked in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours the gravy became very liquidy and watery. How did you get your gravy so nice and thick at the end?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Jude. Yes, cooking in the slow cooker can lead to lots of liquid which is why the liquid in the recipe is not much. As you can see in the video when I covered the pot for slow cooking all the meat was not in the liquid.
      I notice that when I use frozen/thawed meat the meat tends to hold on to more moisture so you have more liquid in the recipe.
      What you can do is - remove the liquid in a saucepan and reduce it on the stovetop.

      Reply

  3. Logan

    Hi Veena, thank you for this recipe! We are excited to try it out. I’m in the middle of making it now- how much lemon juice needs to be added? I don’t see the amount in the ingredients list. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Logan, I am so sorry I forget to list the lemon juice. Its 2 tbsp. I hope my reply was not too late.

      Reply

      • Veena Azmanov

        Sorry, Logan. I apologize I just saw your comment.

        Reply

  4. Eileen Kelly

    I LOVE lamb and oh my, I'm loving this wonderful curry recipe. It is super flavorful and so easy to prepare. I will be making this one for the family over and over.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Eileen. Let me know how it was.

      Reply

  5. Jenny

    I can not resist a good curry and this lamb curry looks fabulous. Pinned and bookmarked, I am making it this week. Thanks so much for the great recipe!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Jenny. Let me know how it was if you try it.

      Reply

  6. Marisa F. Stewart

    Thank goodness we have a lamb roast in the freezer waiting for me to find a recipe. This is it!! So much flavor, you have my mouth watering as I'm reading all about it. The meat I can tell is fall off the bone tender. Just the way we like it. For us the perfect dish to go along with it is polenta. I'm making this recipe next weekend.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Marisa. I hope you try this soon. Its so easy to make

      Reply

  7. Denise

    What a delicious an easy curry recipe! I love all the flavors, its perfect, and so easy to make in the slow cooker.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Denise. I hope you try this soon

      Reply

  8. Veronika

    Unfortunately, I don't have a slow cooker but I want to try this recipe. It looks absolutely delicious and I love the flavor combination you used here!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      You can make this on the stovetop as well Veronika. I have given the full instructions below. Thanks

      Reply

  9. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer

    What a scrumptious looking dish! I'm all about slow cooker meals in the summer! And I really appreciate all of the tips about cooking this dish too! Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Lori. Happy to hear that.

      Reply

  10. Michelle

    Love fix it and forget it meals like this yummy curry

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Yes, so easy. Thanks, Michelle

      Reply

  11. HEATHER PERINE

    Your recipes are always so detailed it makes making them so easy and this was no exception! Wonderful flavors and will make again 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Heather. Glad you enjoyed it

      Reply

  12. Kathryn Donangelo

    Lamb is a favorite of ours and this lamb with curry looks so delicious! The lamb looks perfectly tender and has so much flavor! Can't wait to try this!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Kathryn. The lamb is perfectly tender and delicious

      Reply

    • Kushigalu

      Love this slow cooker version amd the flavors it gives to the dish. So delicious

      Reply

      • Veena Azmanov

        Thank you, Kushi

        Reply

  13. Cindy

    This was so delicious. I made it today! It was approved by my entire family! I am adding it to the rotation! YUMMMM

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Cindy. I am so happy to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback

      Reply

  14. Sunrita | Spiceitupp

    I can just feel the melt in the mouth texture and the yummy taste of the lamb. Will surely be trying it soon.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Sunrita. I hope you try this soon

      Reply

  15. Romina

    This is a great recipe. The lamb is super tender and so simple to make.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Romina. I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this.

      Reply

  16. Jessica Formicola

    I love lamb, so I can't wait to try this delicious looking recipe! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Jessica. I hope you try it

      Reply
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