DINNER IN 125 MINUTES
PANTRY-FRIENDLY
1
Step 1
Heat the oil and fry the cinnamon, cardamom and fennel for 30 seconds. Add the onions and curry leaves and fry for eight minutes until golden.
DINNER IN 125 MINUTES
PANTRY-FRIENDLY
LAMB · DINNER
Durban Mutton Curry
Durban-style mutton curry with potatoes, slow-simmered with masala, curry leaves and whole spices. Serves 6.
Total time125 min
YieldServes 6
DietNo specific diet
Shopping14 ingredients
DifficultyEasy
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Check ingredients as you gather them, then work through 5 calm, clearly numbered steps.
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Ingredients
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Method
5 steps · about 125 minutes total
2
Step 2
Add the garlic and ginger, masala and turmeric with a splash of water, and cook for one minute without burning the spices.
3
Step 3
Add the meat and salt, stir to coat, cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes in its own juices.
4
Step 4
Add the tomatoes and 250 ml water. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes.
5
Step 5
Add the potatoes and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes more, until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked. Scatter with coriander.
Before you serve
Cooking notes & good-to-know answers.
Small details for confident timing, useful swaps, and safer leftovers.
Cooking notes
Durban masala varies a lot in heat; start with less and add more.
Add water a little at a time so the gravy stays thick.
Mutton takes longer than lamb; cook until it is tender.
Good to know
A hot, deep red spice blend used in Durban Indian cooking. Mild curry powder plus chilli powder works if you cannot find it.
White rice, roti, or as a bunny chow in a hollowed half loaf of bread.
Yes. Lamb cooks faster, so check it after about an hour.
About this recipe
Durban mutton curry is one of South Africa’s great dishes, born in the city’s Indian community: meat on the bone and potatoes simmered in a rich, red masala gravy, served with rice, roti or as bunny chow.
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