A brothy Sindhi lamb curry in which cardamom and black pepper lead the flavour over a thin, tomato-thickened gravy. It is warming and peppery rather than chilli-hot, with tender lamb on the bone.
Cardamom and black pepper powder
12 gStirred into the hot ghee before the lamb goes in (step 2)
Grind 3.8 g green cardamom seed and 8.7 g black peppercorn to a powder and set aside.
Melt 52.8 g ghee in a heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat. Stir in the cardamom and black pepper powder and let it sizzle for a few seconds.
Add 800 g lamb shoulder and fry for 5 minutes, turning the pieces as they seal.
Add the ground spices for the sauce and keep frying for 5–6 minutes, stirring.
Pour in 348 g water, season with salt and bring to the boil.
Turn the heat down low, cover the pan and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Add 200 g tomato and cook uncovered for a further 40 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened, the gravy has thinned and thickened again and the lamb is tender.
Use 120% of the weight; melt gently over low heat to avoid burning the milk solids, which will yield a softer, creamier richness rather than a nutty aroma.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 50% of the weight and stir in near the end of cooking. Adds warmth and depth since it contains ground coriander, but introduces stronger spices like clove and cinnamon.
Use 40% to 50% of the fresh tomato weight mixed with a splash of water. Imparts a deeper red colour, thicker sauce, and slightly sweeter cooked flavour.