Ingredients

  • 4 ounces coconut oil or peanut oil
  • 4 to 5 Syrian black cardamom seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon coriander
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1/4 tablespoon celery seeds
  • 1/4 tablespoon ajowan
  • 2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon saffron
  • 16 ounces tomato puree
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 ounces sour cream
  • 4 dried figs, quartered
  • 1 -ounce dried sweet cherries
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice, for serving
  • This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

Method

  • In saucepan add 2 ounces of coconut oil, 2 black cardamom seeds, 1/4 tablespoon cardamom, 1/4 tablespoon cumin, 1/4 tablespoon coriander, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1/2 stick of cinnamon, 1 bay leaf and 1/2 tablespoon turmeric.
  • Cook over medium heat to toast for about 2 to 3 minutes, then add the lamb, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and salt, to taste.
  • Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes stirring occasionally.
  • When meat is cooked add the saffron and turn off the heat.
  • Korma:
  • In medium saucepan add the remaining 2 ounces of coconut oil, and the remaining black cardamom seeds, cardamom, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, bay leaf and turmeric.
  • Add the celery seeds and ajowan and toast for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
  • Stir in the remaining 2 cloves of garlic and the tomato puree, and mix well.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and cook for 10 to 15 minutes over low heat.
  • Stir in the milk, yogurt, sour cream and salt, to taste.
  • Cover the pan and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 5 minutes, until the color turns bright orange.
  • Add the figs and the cherries and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the lamb, cook for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
  • Add a few cilantro leaves to the bottom of each serving bowl and ladle in the lamb korma.
  • Garnish with more cilantro and enjoy it with basmati rice.