Active Time

　　50 min

　　Total Time

　　2 3/4 hr

　　Lamb Kolumbu

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6

　　

For coconut spice paste:

1/2 cup desiccated coconut or 3/4 cup freshly grated coconut

　　8 garlic cloves, finely chopped

　　2 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger

　　1 cup water

　　1 tablespoon fennel seeds, finely ground

　　2 tablespoons ground coriander

　　1 1/2 teaspoons Indian red chile powder

　　1/2 teaspoon turmeric

　　

For lamb:

1/3 cup vegetable oil

　　1 teaspoon cumin seeds

　　1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

　　1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, finely ground

　　4 green cardamom pods

　　3-inch cinnamon stick

　　10 fresh curry leaves

　　1 large onion, chopped

　　2 plum tomatoes, chopped

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　2 1/2 pounds trimmed boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

　　3 cups water

　　1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

　　

Make coconut spice paste:

Step 1

If using desiccated coconut, soak in a bowl of warm water to cover 1 hour and drain well in a sieve.

　　

Step 2

Purée coconut, garlic, and ginger with 1/2 cup water in a blender, then blend in remaining 1/2 cup water, fennel, coriander, chile powder, and turmeric.

　　

Make lamb:

Step 3

Heat oil in a 6- to 7-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook cumin, fenugreek, fennel, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add curry leaves and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and begins to brown. Add tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 1 minute.

　　

Step 4

Add coconut spice paste and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add lamb and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on outside, 2 to 3 minutes. Add water and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until lamb is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer lamb with a slotted spoon to a bowl and simmer sauce until thickened. Return lamb to pot and season with salt.

　　

Step 5

Just before serving, stir in cilantro.

　　Cooks' note:

　　· Lamb may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.

　　· Try deep-frying store-bought pappadams in about 5 cups of oil to add extra crispness to the lentil wafers. Eat them with each course.