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Fall-Off-the-Bone Madras Lamb Shanks with Creamy Coconut Curry and Aromatic Indian Spices

Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic Madras curry sauce with coconut cream, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lamb shanks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
  • 1 cup beef or lamb stock
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown lamb shanks on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in Madras curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cardamom pods. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes, stirring well. Cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in coconut milk and stock, bring to a simmer. Return lamb shanks to the pot, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, until lamb is fall-apart tender.
  6. Remove lid and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken sauce if desired. Adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve lamb shanks with sauce over rice or naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

For extra richness, add 1 cup of coconut cream instead of coconut milk. Can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight.

  • Author: Chef Stella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Protein: 52 g