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Authentic Cape Malay Slow-Simmered Lamb Curry with Tender Potatoes and Fragrant South African Spices

A fragrant and hearty Cape Malay lamb curry, slow-simmered with tender potatoes and a blend of aromatic South African spices.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) lamb shoulder, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions, finely sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Cape Malay curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the lamb cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden, about 8–10 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the Cape Malay curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  7. Return the browned lamb to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat with the spice mixture.
  8. Add enough water or beef broth to just cover the meat (about 2–3 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  9. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  10. Add peeled and quartered potatoes (if using) and continue to simmer for another 30–45 minutes until lamb is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
  11. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  12. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, or crusty bread.
  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: South African

Nutrition

  • Calories: 0
  • Sugar: 0
  • Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 0
  • Protein: 0