Kheema Matar (Lamb with Peas)

     

  

Have you ever tried those Indian simmer sauces that come in a jar from the supermarket?  Some are pretty good and make a fast and easy way to prepare a meal.  However, they always seem to lack the multiple layers of flavor that are hard to replicate.  Likewise, many recipes that start with a tablespoon of curry power also just don't measure up to the real thing.  However, this recipe from The Food of India: A Journey for Food Lovers will not disappoint.  Amazingly, all of the ingredients can be found at the local supermarket (except for asafoetida, I'm not even sure what it is, but a pinch of it wasn't missed here), and should be part of your pantry of spices.  Similarly, ground lamb is showing up in more and more meat sections.  The next time you see some, grab it and make this recipe.  Serves 2.

    

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch piece of ginger, chopped or 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 cup oil

1 bay leaf

1/2 lb ground lamb

1/2 tbsp tomato paste

1/8 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp chili powder

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp plain yoghurt

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground pepper

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/8 tsp garam masala

2 tbsp chopped cilantro

     

Description:

Put the onion, garlic, and ginger in a food processor and process until finely chopped.  Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan over medium heat.  Add the onion mixture and bay leaf and fry for 3-4 minutes.  Add the lamb and fry for 10 minutes, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally.  Add the tomato paste, stir in and lower the heat to simmer.  Add the turmeric, chili powder, coriander and cumin, stir and cook for 1 minute.  Add the yoghurt, salt and pepper, stir and cook for 5 minutes.  Add 1/2 cup of water or more if desired for a looser consistency a little of the time and stir to absorb.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  With 5 minutes remaining, stir in the peas.  At the end, stir in the garam masala and chopped coriander.  Cook for a further minute and then serve with rice if desired.