Easy Lamb Jalfrezi

Lamb Jalfrezi with Coconut Milk: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Curry

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Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make curry that’s perfect for a busy weeknight? Lamb Jalfrezi is the answer. This quick and flavorful recipe features tender lamb cooked in a spicy tomato-based curry sauce, paired with bell peppers and onions, and finished with a touch of heat from fresh jalapeños. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and makes a fantastic dish when served with naan bread to mop up that delicious sauce.

If you have a slow cooker or pressure cooker on hand, no worries! This recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions for those methods too. Whether you’re cooking in the oven, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Lamb Jalfrezi

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Packed with Flavor: This homemade curry is full of bold, spicy flavors without relying on excess oil, salt, or sugar.
Easy to Adapt: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by using a mild or hot curry powder. You can even leave out spices you don’t enjoy.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Quick Cooking: Whether you’re using the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop, this recipe comes together with minimal effort, so it’s perfect for any night of the week.

This dish is a great way to get your fix of Indian-inspired curry without relying on takeout. It’s healthier, customizable, and the perfect balance of spice and flavor.

Ingredients for Lamb Jalfrezi

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this easy, flavorful curry:

Lamb: Boneless cuts like lamb shoulder or leg are perfect for this dish. You can also use diced braising meat for a more affordable option.
Spices: Ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala blend together to form a perfectly spiced curry.
Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes and tomato paste add depth to the curry sauce, with canned tomatoes making the prep easier. Fresh tomatoes can also be used if you prefer.
Peppers: Red, orange, and green bell peppers provide vibrant color, and green chili peppers add heat for those who like a spicy kick.

How to Make Lamb Jalfrezi: Step-by-Step

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Now, let’s dive into how to make this mouth-watering Lamb Jalfrezi!

Oven Method: Slow-Cooked Perfection

Brown the Lamb: In a large, oven-proof pan, heat olive oil and brown the lamb pieces over medium heat. Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set the browned lamb aside.
Sauté the Onions: In the same pan, sauté sliced onions until they turn soft and golden. Add the spices and stir them for a fragrant burst of flavor.
Add the Peppers: Toss in sliced bell peppers and jalapeños, cooking for about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the browned lamb back to the pan, then mix in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1 cup of water. Bring everything to a boil.
Slow-Cook: Cover the pan and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 1½ to 2 hours, checking at 90 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The lamb should be fork-tender when done.
Garnish: Once the lamb is tender, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños. Serve hot with rice and naan.

Slow Cooker Method

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Brown the Lamb: Follow the same process of browning the lamb and sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices in a pan.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: After browning the lamb, transfer it along with the cooked veggies and all remaining ingredients into the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours until the lamb is fork-tender.
Finishing Touch: Once the lamb is ready, stir in the coconut milk (optional) and simmer for a bit to thicken the sauce if needed.

Instant Pot Method

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Sauté the Lamb and Veggies: Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown the lamb, sauté the onions, garlic, and spices as described in the oven method.
Pressure Cook: Add all remaining ingredients to the Instant Pot, close the lid, and cook on manual high pressure for 40 minutes (20 minutes per pound of lamb).
Release the Pressure: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a manual release.
Finishing Touch: Stir in the coconut milk (optional), and if you prefer the meat pulled, use two forks to shred the lamb. Simmer on sauté mode to thicken the sauce if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does Jalfrezi mean?

Jalfrezi is a Bengali curry dish. The word “jal” means spicy or hot, and “frezi” means to fry, making it a “hot-fry” dish. This refers to the stir-frying technique traditionally used to make the curry.

Q2: What type of lamb is best for curry?

The best cuts of lamb for curry are those that are suitable for slow cooking, like boneless lamb shoulder or braising cuts. These cuts become tender when cooked low and slow, perfect for curries.

Q3: How can I make the curry spicier?

If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even extra jalapeños to the curry while cooking or at the end for added heat.

Q4: Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! This recipe works well with chicken, lamb, or even beef. For a quicker version, ground meat like ground lamb or ground beef can be used instead of cubed meat.

Q5: Can I freeze lamb jalfrezi?

Yes, lamb jalfrezi can be frozen. After cooking, let the curry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.

Tips for the Best Lamb Jalfrezi

Let It Rest: Curries often taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. If you have the time, make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh, good-quality spices will make a huge difference in the flavor of your curry.
Don’t Skip Searing the Meat: Searing the lamb before cooking helps develop rich, deep flavors, so don’t skip this important step.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.

How to Serve Lamb Jalfrezi

Lamb Jalfrezi pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. The most common accompaniments are steamed basmati rice and naan bread, which are perfect for soaking up the flavorful curry sauce. For a light option, try cauliflower rice or coconut rice with lime.

For added heat, you can serve freshly sliced red chilies on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the spice level to their liking.

Conclusion: A Delicious and Versatile Lamb Curry

This Lamb Jalfrezi recipe is the perfect addition to your curry repertoire. Whether you’re using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or traditional oven method, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and delicious. Packed with aromatic spices and tender lamb, this curry is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with rice and naan, and don’t forget to add those extra chilies for the perfect kick!