Naan Gosht (Lamb Curry) – A Flavorful and Hearty Dish

Introduction

Naan Gosht, a traditional and flavorful lamb curry, is a dish that embodies the rich and bold flavors of South Asian cuisine. This curry features tender, slow-cooked lamb simmered in a fragrant, spiced gravy, making it the perfect pairing for warm, fluffy naan or steamed rice.

The magic of this dish lies in its slow-cooking process, which allows the meat to become incredibly tender while absorbing the depth of the spices and aromatics. Whether you’re looking to prepare an authentic Indian or Pakistani-inspired meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and comforting curry.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about preparing Naan Gosht at home, from choosing the best ingredients to perfecting the slow-cooking technique.

Why You’ll Love This Naan Gosht Recipe

  • Rich and flavorful – The combination of aromatic spices, slow-cooked lamb, and a rich tomato-based gravy creates a mouthwatering dish.
  • Perfectly tender meat – Cooking the lamb slow and low ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
  • Versatile pairing – Serve with naan, roti, rice, or even paratha.
  • Authentic and homemade – Tastes just like a traditional restaurant-style lamb curry.
  • Customizable spice levels – Adjust heat and spice according to your preference.

Ingredients for Naan Gosht (Lamb Curry)

For the Lamb Curry:

  • 2 lbs (900g) lamb, bone-in, cut into pieces
  • 3 tablespoons oil (ghee or mustard oil preferred)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, pureed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 green cardamom pods
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

  • Fresh naan or roti
  • Steamed basmati rice
  • Sliced onions and lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Cut the lamb into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
  2. Puree the tomatoes in a blender.
  3. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the onions finely.

Step 2: Sear the Lamb

  1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom pods.
  3. When the spices sizzle, add the lamb pieces and sear them on all sides until browned.
  4. Remove the lamb and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

  1. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onions until golden brown.
  2. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Spices and Tomatoes

  1. Add turmeric, coriander, cumin powder, red chili powder, and black pepper.
  2. Stir well to coat the onions in the spices.
  3. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Simmer the Lamb Curry

  1. Return the seared lamb to the pot.
  2. Pour in water or broth, stirring to combine.
  3. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once the meat is tender and the curry has thickened, add garam masala.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Tips for the Best Naan Gosht

  • Use bone-in lamb – Adds deeper flavor to the curry.
  • Slow cook for maximum tenderness – The longer the lamb simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
  • Sear the meat properly – Helps lock in the juices and develop rich flavors.
  • Use fresh whole spices – Enhances the authenticity and aroma of the dish.
  • Let the curry rest before serving – The flavors intensify if allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking.

Variations and Customizations

1. Spicy Naan Gosht

  • Increase the red chili powder or add green chilies for extra heat.

2. Creamy Naan Gosht

  • Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer curry.

3. Tomato-Free Version

  • Replace tomatoes with blended roasted red peppers for a different twist.

4. Slow Cooker Method

  • Sear the lamb and sauté onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

What to Serve with Naan Gosht

  • Garlic naan or butter naan – Perfect for scooping up the rich gravy.
  • Steamed basmati rice – A simple pairing to balance the bold flavors.
  • Raita (yogurt sauce) – Helps cool down the spice.
  • Pickled onions and lemon wedges – Adds a tangy contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Naan Gosht

Storing Leftovers:

  • Allow the curry to cool before storing in an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions:

  • Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a splash of water or broth.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Low-Quality Meat

  • Choose fresh, high-quality lamb for the best results.

2. Skipping the Browning Step

  • Searing the lamb adds depth and richness to the curry.

3. Not Cooking Long Enough

  • The lamb needs at least 90 minutes to become fully tender.

4. Overpowering with Too Many Spices

  • Stick to balanced spice levels to let the flavors shine.

Conclusion

Naan Gosht (Lamb Curry) is a deeply flavorful, comforting dish that brings the rich culinary traditions of South Asia right to your home kitchen. With its tender, slow-cooked lamb and aromatic spices, this dish is a must-try for curry lovers.

Pair it with warm naan, basmati rice, or roti, and enjoy a truly authentic dining experience. Try this Naan Gosht recipe today and savor the bold, delicious flavors!

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Naan Gosht (Lamb Curry) – A Flavorful and Hearty Dish


  • Author: isabil
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

Make authentic Naan Gosht with tender, slow-cooked lamb in rich, spiced gravy. A perfect pairing with naan or rice for a hearty meal.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Lamb Curry:

  • 2 lbs (900g) lamb, bone-in, cut into pieces
  • 3 tablespoons oil (ghee or mustard oil preferred)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, pureed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 34 green cardamom pods
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

  • Fresh naan or roti
  • Steamed basmati rice
  • Sliced onions and lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients:

    • Cut the lamb into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
    • Puree the tomatoes in a blender.
    • Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the onions finely.
  • Sear the Lamb:

    • Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    • Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom pods.
    • When the spices sizzle, add the lamb pieces and sear them on all sides until browned.
    • Remove the lamb and set aside.
  • Cook the Aromatics:

    • In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onions until golden brown.
    • Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the Spices and Tomatoes:

    • Add turmeric, coriander, cumin powder, red chili powder, and black pepper.
    • Stir well to coat the onions in the spices.
    • Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add the yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
  • Simmer the Lamb Curry:

    • Return the seared lamb to the pot.
    • Pour in water or broth, stirring to combine.
    • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
    • Once the meat is tender and the curry has thickened, add garam masala.
  • Garnish and Serve:

    • Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Notes

  • Use bone-in lamb – Adds deeper flavor to the curry.
  • Slow cook for maximum tenderness – The longer the lamb simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
  • Sear the meat properly – Helps lock in the juices and develop rich flavors.
  • Use fresh whole spices – Enhances the authenticity and aroma of the dish.
  • Let the curry rest before serving – The flavors intensify if allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking.
  • Prep Time: 20minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

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