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A treasured dish in Indian Iraqi cuisine, green curry is a special-occasion favorite with secret variations, traditionally made with lamb and cilantro masala, slow-cooked to perfection and served over basmati rice.
Photo credit Joanna Nissim

Green Curry

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A treasured dish in Indian Iraqi cuisine, green curry is a special-occasion favorite with secret variations, traditionally made with lamb and cilantro masala, slow-cooked to perfection and served over basmati rice.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

For the curry paste:

  • 2 bunches cilantro
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 knob ginger
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 green chilli (optional)

 

For the curry:

  • 23 Tbsp neutral oil, for frying
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 kg cubed chuck or diced lamb
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 pint water

Instructions

  1. Optional: Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). (You can also cook this dish on the stovetop.)
  2. Start by making the green curry paste: Blend the cilantro, garlic, ginger, powdered spices and the chilli (if using) in a Magimix or with a hand blender. Add a few drops of water if it needs help to blend.
  3. Heat the oil over medium heat in a deep, ovenproof dish. Add the chopped onions to the oil, stirring to avoid them catching. Then add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp brown sugar, to help the onions to caramelize.
  4. Add the cubed meat, and fry until browned on all sides.  
  5. Add the tomato paste and mix, ensuring everything is coated. Add the green paste and mix again, coating everything. Cook for 5-7 minutes, to cook out the rawness from the ginger, then add the water. 
  6. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the meat is soft and falls apart easily. (Alternatively, cook in the oven at 340°F for 2 hours.) Either way, check the dish every 30 minutes to ensure it isn’t drying out or catching on the bottom (if it is, add more water).
  7. Serve over steamed basmati rice.
  • Author: Joanna Nissim
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Indian