Crush cardamom pods and put seeds in a spice grinder. Discard pods.
To spice grinder, add cinnamon stick crushed, coriander seeds, peppercorns, cloves and fennel seeds. Grind to a powder.
Heat up a heavy bottomed pot and add 4 tbsps vegetable oil. Add onion, 2 pinches salt and cook until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cook until golden brown. Add lamb and mix thoroughly, cooking for 3 minutes on medium heat. Add turmeric, chili powder, ground spices, star anise and mix well, cooking for 5 minutes. Mix occasionally so spices do not burn or stick to bottom of pan.
Add 1 tsp salt and sprig of curry leaves if using. Mix well. Cover pot and cook until lamb is tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Check lamb after first 5 minutes and add water if necessary. Check frequently and add water 1/2 cup at a time when needed. The water should be hot or boiling. I added about 2 cups of water in stages during cooking. You may need to add up to 3 cups depending on the cooking time of the lamb you're using.
After 30 minutes of cooking, taste and add more salt if you need to. I used a total of 1.5 tsp salt.
After lamb is cooked, add another sprig of curry leaves if using. Cover pot and let rest at least 30 minutes before eating - if you have the time. This curry tastes better the longer it sits. The next day, it'll taste even better!
Note: This curry as written is spicy. If you want it less spicy, reduce chili powder to 1 tsp.
I for the first time, have cooked it your way. Dam it was so delicious and I felt like I was the greatest chief in my own Kitchen. I would encourage anyone to try it. So simple but most of all sooooo delicious. Thank you for sharing, Good Cooking.
Anita,
Can you send me the recipe link to Chana Masala
Thanks,
I have made this and every one who tried absolutely were blown away with the flavours thankyou so much for this recipe .
Happy you liked it, Neil 🙂
I for the first time, have cooked it your way. Dam it was so delicious and I felt like I was the greatest chief in my own Kitchen. I would encourage anyone to try it. So simple but most of all sooooo delicious. Thank you for sharing, Good Cooking.
Glad you liked it 🙂