Lamb Chettinad


Spicy Indian Lamb Curry

In this quick version of the classic Chettinad recipe, we cooked juicy lamb in a spicy curry with masala, tomatoes, and grated coconut. Pair this rich curry with rice or flatbread for a real Indian-style meal.

Lamb Chettinad Curry Recipe

Info

Nutrition per serving
NutrientAmountRDA
Net Carbs7.1 g2.6%
of which Sugars4.6 g5.1%
Fibers2.9 g10.2%
Fats22.3 g34.3%
of which Saturates9.3 g46.6%
of which Omega 32.7 g246.6%
Proteins13.4 g29.1%
Calcium39 mg3.9%
Vitamin A42 mcg6%
Vitamin C22 mg29.9%
Iron3 mg20.1%
Potassium500 mg14.3%
Sodium52 mg2.2%
Cholesterol51.1 mg17%
Kcal283 14.1%
Macro split
  • net carbs 16%
  • sugars 10%
  • fats 49%
  • saturates 20%
  • proteins 29%
  • fibers 6%
*RDA based on a 2000 kcal diet;
**Nutritional data sources: USDA, food labels.
KCAL
283 per serving
TIME
40m
HEALTH

This rich stew recipe is inspired to the famous curry dish originating in Chettinad, a region in South India. While the classic recipe includes chicken, we wanted to experiment with another type of meat, lamb. Mutton Chettinad is a very popular Tamil-style dish, and today we'll show you how to make it with our easy and fast recipe.

The traditional Chettinad requires a long list of ingredients, a spice grinder, and quite some time for marinating and cooking the meat.

Instead, we tried to make this recipe as simple as possible. So rather than toasting and griding the many seeds and spices, you just have to sizzle garam masala powder in oil with onions and garlic. Then, by using diced stew lamb, you won't have to cook the meat for long, 30 minutes is all it takes.

The result is hearty curry with a rich, spicy broth enriched by chopped tomatoes, and grated coconut. A real delight!

Serve it hot with a side of steamed rice, flatbreads, or the traditional dosa pancakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to serve with this mutton stew?

According to the Chettinad culinary traditions, curries are served with rice on the side.

Also, paratha flatbreads or dosa pancakes often accompany these stew dishes.

This Indian lamb curry pairs wonderfully with steamed brown rice, naan bread, and vegetable side dishes.

Our beetroot poriyal stir-fry would go well with this recipe, check it out here.

Which type of lamb is best for this Indian curry?

Many of the variations of the classic chicken Chettinad use lamb or mutton.

Mutton-based dishes are quite popular in Indian cuisine, while lamb meat is more commonly found in Western dishes.

For this curry recipe, good meat cuts include boneless shoulder pieces or lamb stew meat.

Although mutton is more flavourful, it requires longer to cook. So, to make this recipe faster, we opted for lamb meat.

If you prefer to prepare this Chettinad curry with mutton, follow our recipe as above but cook the meat for longer. It would take about 40 minutes for the meat to soften, so pour a bit of water in the broth from time to time to keep the curry runny.

What can I use instead of fresh coconut?

The original Chettinad recipe includes freshly grated coconut, but you can also use dry/desiccated coconut, which is easy to find all year long.

Alternatively, swap it with tinned coconut milk to make your curry even more flavourful.

If you don't fancy that taste of coconut, just omit it from the ingredient list, and your lamb stew will still taste great.

Ingredients

Adjustments
Serves
Measuring System
Rapeseed Oil1 tbsp
Red Onion1
Garlic Cloves2
Fresh Ginger Root1 tsp
Chilli Flakes1 tsp
Garam Masala2 tsp
Turmeric1/2 tsp
Fresh Coconut25 g
Diced Lamb280 g
Tomatoes4
Lemon1/2
Fresh Coriander to taste

Step 1

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil and add finely chopped onions, crushed garlic, grated ginger, and dried chillies.

Sizzle the ingredients for 3 minutes or until the onions have softened.

Sizzled onions, garlic, and ginger

Step 2

Now, add the garam masala, turmeric, grated coconut, and diced lamb. Give all a good stir and cook covered for 10 minutes.

Allow the meat to get nicely seared and release its flavour.

Seared lamb with coconut and garam masala

Step 3

Next, add chopped tomatoes and pour about half a glass of water.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer the curry for a further 20 minutes or until the lamb meat has softened.

Allow the broth to reduce to a thick sauce and the tomatoes to soften.

Lamb curry with tomatoes

Step 4

Once the lamb is cooked through, remove the pan from the heat and drizzle the stew with lemon juice.

Garnish the chettinad with chopped coriander and extra grated coconut, and serve it with with rice or flatbread.

Lamb chettinad served with coconut and coriander

Tips

For a real Indian touch, finish the dish with some coriander leaves or curry leaves.