Lamb with Spinach, also commonly known as Lamb and Spinach Curry, Indian Lamb and Spinach Curry, Lamb Saag, Saag Gosht and Lamb and Spinach Karahi, among other names, is a popular Indian dish made with lamb, spinach, Indian herbs and spices and seasonings. The dish is popular for its appealing taste and aroma and it is a popular and common preparation in Indian households. Also, the dish is almost always featured on menus of Indian eateries and restaurants across the world.
Lamb and Spinach Curry is believed to be an invention of the royal cooks of the times when the Mughals ruled India. The Mughals' love for lamb and spices has led to the invention of various interesting dishes and Lamb Saag is believed to be one of them.
Ingredients Recommended by Traditional Lamb with Spinach Recipe
While lamb and spinach are the most important ingredients, the dish gets its taste and aroma from the combination of Indian spices used in preparation. Red chili powder, turmeric, sweet paprika, ground cinnamon, cloves, cumin, salt, pepper, garam masala, cinnamon and cardamom are required for the preparation of traditional Lamb with Spinach. Green chilies, onion, tomato, garlic and ginger are also essential additions and so are water/broth and bouillon. The dish is traditionally cooked in lots of ghee (clarified Indian butter) but modern day chefs, in the interest of making it somewhat healthier than before, use oil. Traditionalists, however, strictly believe that the taste of the dish is not the same without ghee.
Preparation Overview of Lamb and Spinach Curry
Traditionally, Lamb with Spinach is considered a moderately-easy dish to make, mostly prepared through the method of slow cooking. Over the years, however, the cooking has been simplified with the availability of pre-mixed spice combinations and quick cooking kitchen equipment. Traditionalists, however, still prefer to stick to the ingredients and preparation methods of the days gone-by.
To make the spicy dish, the lamb is first marinated for a few hours and the in the meantime, the spices are prepared (ground, separated, etc.) as required. The lamb is then cooked with the spices, onions, tomatoes and spinach till it is done. The total preparation time is generally about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, but this generally depends on the toughness of the meat. It is important to cook the lamb over low to moderate heat as high heat can unnecessarily toughen the meat.
Popular Lamb with Spinach Recipe Variations
Lamb and Spinach Curry variations are often made by making a few changes to the ingredients and base sauce. The 'Madras' version of the preparation calls for the use of lemon-juice instead of spinach, and by adding lots of dried green and red chilies, some red wine and cubes of cooked potato, a Lamb Vindaloo is made. Dhamsak is another popular variant made by adding a portion of tarka dal, lemon juice, cubed pineapple and some sugar to the spinach, lamb and traditional spices.
Lamb Saag Trivia
Spring Lamb with Spinach and Feta Rolls is a popular French dish and a common Western variation of the traditional Indian Lamb with Spinach. The quick and easy to make dish is baked in the oven and served with Greek Yogurt.