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
- 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 5: 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.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- 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!
PrintNaan Gosht (Lamb Curry) – A Flavorful and Hearty Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 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
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
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