Lamb Rogan Josh

This is a very spicy dish.  Takes 20 minutes to prepare and 45-60 minutes to cook.

Ingredients list:

• 2 inches fresh root ginger peeled and chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 4 bay leaves
• 16 cardamom pods, cracked
• 750 g lamb steak, chopped into cubes
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 4 small onions, finely chopped
• 4 teaspoons tomato purée
• 4 x 2 cm cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method 

1. Place ginger and garlic in a small blender and blend to a paste with 2 teaspoons of water.  If you don't have a blender, finely chop both and use a pestle and mortar to blend together into a paste.
2. Pre-heat a non stick lidded pan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for a healthier version you can use low fat cooking spreay).  Add the bay leaves, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods.  Then add the lamb pieces and cook until brown.  Remove the lamb with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add onion to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until it browns at the edges.
4. Then add the garlic and ginger paste to the onions in the pan.  Stir for 30 seconds before adding all remaining spices and tomato purée.
5. Return the lamb to the pan and add 100 ml of water.  Mix together well and bring to the boil.
6. Cover and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes or until the meat is tender.