Ingredients

  • 1 pound (500 grams) lamb chops
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 medium red onions, sliced
  • 1-inch (2 1/2-cm) piece fresh ginger, chopped
  • 10 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 5 or 6 green chiles, stemmed and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 30 whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1-inch (2 1/2-cm) cinnamon stick, broken in half
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ghee (see Notes)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Method

  • Pat the chops dry with a kitchen towel and then flatten slightly by beating with the blunt side of a knife or with a meat mallet.
  • Place them in a bowl.
  • Stir the turmeric into the yogurt, rub the mixture on the chops, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and put in the refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour.
  • Place a nonstick saucepan over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of the oil.
  • When small bubbles appear at the bottom of the pan, add one third of the onions, the ginger, garlic, chiles, cilantro, coriander, peppercorns, fennel, half the cinnamon, 4 of the cloves, and 2 of the cardamom pods, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Cool and place in a food processor with 2 tablespoons water.
  • Process to a fine paste.
  • Place another nonstick saucepan over medium heat and add the remaining oil.
  • When small bubbles appear at the bottom of the pan, add the bay leaves, remaining cinnamon, remaining cloves, remaining cardamom pods, and remaining onions.
  • Saute for 4 to 5 minutes or until the onions are lightly browned.
  • Add the ground spice mixture and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the chops and continue to saute for 8 minutes or until the chops are well covered with the spices and the oil comes to the top.
  • Add 1 cup (200 ml) water and the salt, and stir well.
  • Add the ghee and reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add another 1/2 cup (100 ml) water if the lamb is not yet cooked through.
  • Continue to cook for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender.
  • Uncover and simmer until the sauce is thick.
  • Sprinkle with the lemon juice and serve immediately.