If you love rich, comforting curries, this Lamb Kofta Curry is one you’ll want on repeat. Juicy, spiced lamb meatballs simmer in a flavorful tomato-based curry sauce that’s warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Pair it with rice, naan, or flatbreads, and you’ve got the ultimate homemade comfort food. It’s hearty enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serving Size: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors – Spiced lamb meatballs in a rich, fragrant curry.
- Homemade Goodness – Way better than takeout and surprisingly easy.
- Versatile – Delicious with rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Crowd Pleaser – A dish that feels special but isn’t overly complicated.
Ingredients
For the Koftas (Meatballs):
- 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil, for frying
For the Curry Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water or broth
- ½ cup plain yogurt or heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to make Lamb Kofta Curry
- Make the koftas: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, garlic, spices, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown the koftas on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
- Start the curry sauce: In the same skillet, heat oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in garlic, ginger, and all the spices. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and water/broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Return the browned koftas to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in yogurt or cream, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Lamb Kofta Curry
4
servings20
minutes35
minutes510
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450 g) ground lamb
1 small onion, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 egg
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp oil, for frying
- Curry Sauce
2 tbsp oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp chili powder
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
1 cup water or broth
½ cup plain yogurt or heavy cream
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Make the koftas: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, grated onion, garlic, spices, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown the koftas on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
- Start the curry sauce: In the same skillet, heat oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in garlic, ginger, and all the spices. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and water/broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Return the browned koftas to the pan. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
- Stir in yogurt or cream, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.