One-Pot Lamb Kalya with Yogurt and Cream
One-Pot Lamb Kalya with Yogurt and Cream is a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender lamb pieces simmered in a luscious yogurt and cream sauce infused with traditional spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This comforting and quick-to-make recipe uses just one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights while delivering authentic flavors and minimal cleanup.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Dairy
- 500g lamb shoulder or leg pieces, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup thick full-fat plain yogurt (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
- 1–2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
- Water, as needed to adjust sauce consistency
- Prepare the Aromatics and Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, which develops the sauce’s natural sweetness. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking until the raw aroma fades. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, stirring to bloom the spices and release their fragrance.
- Brown the Lamb: Add the lamb chunks to the spiced onion mixture and brown them well on all sides. This process locks in the juices and adds depth to the dish’s flavor.
- Incorporate Yogurt and Cream: Reduce the heat to low and gradually mix in the room temperature yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Once fully combined, stir in the heavy cream to form a silky, rich sauce.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and let the lamb cook gently on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally, adding water if the sauce thickens too much to maintain a moist and juicy consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with sliced green chilies for heat and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature yogurt to avoid curdling when adding to hot ingredients.
- Simmer slowly and gently for tender lamb and creamy sauce.
- Freshly ground spices provide better aroma and flavor.
- Do not skip browning lamb for a richer taste.
- Add cream gradually and adjust to your preferred sauce richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: lamb kalya, yogurt and cream lamb, Indian lamb curry, one-pot lamb recipe, creamy lamb curry, easy lamb dinner