Sesame Lamb Curry (Yellu Kari Kulambu): A Chettinad Delight

50 minutes

684 reads

4.34 from 3 votes

About Sesame Lamb Curry (Yellu Kari Kulambu): A Chettinad Delight

This Sesame Lamb Curry, or Yellu Kari Kulambu, is a fragrant and flavorful Chettinad-style curry that's sure to impress. Inspired by a quest for unique lamb recipes, this version combines tender lamb pieces with lamb marrow bones for a richer, deeper flavor profile. The nutty aroma of sesame seeds adds a unique twist to this South Indian classic.
Unlike traditional South Indian curries, this recipe boasts a bold and complex taste from a masterful blend of spices including black peppercorns, cumin, fennel, and of course, sesame seeds. The result is an aromatic and satisfying dish perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Serve this versatile curry with steamed rice, chapathi, or dosa – the choice is yours! Get ready for a culinary adventure with this unforgettable recipe.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total50 minutes
Calories199 kcal
Serves5
Served AsDinnerLunch

Ingredients
 

Lamb and Bones

  • 500 gm Lamb a mix of tender lamb pieces and marrow bones (lamb shanks work well) for richer flavor. if unavailable use only lamb pieces.

Spices and Aromatics

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 Onions 1 finely chopped, 2 roughly chopped, medium-sized
  • 2 Tomatoes medium-sized, chopped
  • 2 Potatoes medium-sized, chopped

Other

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Instructions
 

Marinate the Lamb

  • Clean the lamb and marinate with yogurt, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and half the chopped onions for at least 30 minutes.

Roast the Spices

  • Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a pan. Add cumin, fennel, sesame seeds, cashews, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and peppercorns. Roast until fragrant and slightly browned.

Make the Spice Paste

  • Add roughly chopped onions and red chilies to the roasted spices. Roast for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cool, and grind to a fine paste using a little water.

Pressure Cook the Lamb

  • Pressure cook the marinated lamb with 1/2 cup of water for 4-5 whistles. Allow pressure to release naturally.

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat the remaining sesame oil in a pan or kadhai. Add the remaining finely chopped onions and curry leaves (if using). Sauté until golden brown.

Add Tomatoes and Spice Paste

  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in the ground spice paste and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Combine and Simmer

  • Add the pressure-cooked lamb, salt, and 1 cup of water to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Add Potatoes and Thicken

  • Add the chopped potatoes to the curry. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are cooked and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serve

  • Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice, chapathi, or dosa.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips

  • For an even richer flavor, use lamb shanks or a combination of lamb shanks and tender lamb pieces.
  • Adjust the amount of red chilies according to your preferred spice level. Start with less and add more if needed.
  • Don't overcook the lamb; it should be tender but not falling apart.
  • If the curry is too thick, add a little water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.34 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 1415mgPotassium: 772mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 778IUVitamin C: 81mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 2mg

Madraasi Deepa
Madraasi Deepa

Full-time blogger, mother, food reviewer, product reviewer, and lover of exploring historical places and fashion.

Articles: 146
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4.34 from 3 votes

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