(Serves 1-2)
2 tblsp Oil
Whole Garam Masala (1 tsp Fennel Seeds, 1 Cinnamon Stick, 2 Green Cardamom Seeds - cracked, 1 brown Cardamom Seed - cracked, 3 cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp cumin seeds)
1/3 cup diced white onion
1 tblsp ginger minced
1 tblsp garlic minced
1 tsp turmeric
3/4 - 1 lb lamb, boneless, cubed (@14 oz.)
1/2 cup water (to start)
2 tblsp butter
4 cloves garlic
1½ tsp cumin seeds
@ 40 black peppercorns
2 Serrano chilis, stemmed, sliced in half length-wise, then in half length-wise again
12-15 Curry leaves, optional
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2 tblsp Cilantro, fresh, chopped
½ lime
Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat, add the whole garam masala spices, when the bay leaves 'crackle' add in the minced ginger and garlic. Add in the chopped onions, stir for about 1 minute. Add in the turmeric powder, once mixed in add the lamb cubes, toss in the oil and spices then add the water. Cook the lamb until tender, if you need more water add some in, keep covered if it is helping to tenderize the lamb.
Once the lamb is tender, between 20-30 minutes, set the pan aside. If the only liquid left is oil from the lamb, you can drain most of the oil out. In a new pan melt the butter, in a mortar and pestle crush the 4 cloves of garlic with the black peppercorns and 1½ tsp of cumin seeds. After a minute add the halved green chilies and curry leaves, if your using them.
Add the chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, stir well. Now add the lamb, evaporate any of the liquid left. Now add chopped cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy over rice or just as is.