An image of a bowl of Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash on top and made in a pot

Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash

A Rich Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash Hidden Right in the Pot

Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash brings tender spiced lamb, soft potatoes, and sweet gem squash together in one satisfying pot. With Bombay masala, ginger, garlic, and chili, this hearty lamb curry makes a memorable family dinner with plenty of rich gravy to enjoy

Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash

Additional Information

  • How do I know the lamb is ready? It should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork and should not feel chewy or tough.
  • What if the curry dries out? Add a small splash of water, cover the pot, and continue cooking until the lamb is tender.
  • What if the potatoes are done before the lamb? Remove them carefully and return them to the pot near the end so they don’t fall apart.
  • How do I know the gem squash is cooked? A fork should slide easily into the flesh.
  • What if my gem squash is very large? Give it extra steaming time, or cut the halves into smaller pieces if necessary.
  • Can this be frozen? Yes. The lamb curry itself freezes very well. For the best texture, freeze the curry and potatoes separately from the gem squash if possible, as cooked gem squash can become softer after thawing. Cool everything completely before freezing.
  • How long can it be stored and how? Store leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen curry in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop until piping hot throughout.
  • What if the curry is too watery? Remove the lid and let the curry simmer gently for a few minutes once the lamb and potatoes are cooked. This will help reduce the gravy. Keep the gem squash out of the pot while reducing if it’s already tender.
  • What if the lamb is still tough? Keep cooking it gently with the lid on. Tough lamb usually needs more time to break down and become tender. Add a small amount of water if the gravy is getting too dry.
  • Can I make this ahead? Yes, and the curry may taste even better the next day as the flavours have time to settle. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Substitute Suggestions

  • Can I use a different squash? Yes. Butternut squash or acorn squash can work, although the cooking time and texture will be different.
  • Can I use another cut of lamb? Yes. Lamb shoulder, stewing lamb, or bone-in lamb pieces are all good choices. The cooking time will vary, so cook until the lamb is tender rather than relying only on the clock.
  • Can I use boneless lamb? Absolutely. Boneless lamb works well, but it may cook a little faster. Keep an eye on the curry as it cooks.
  • Can I replace the Bombay masala? If you don’t have Bombay masala, you can use another curry masala blend you enjoy. The flavour won’t be the same, but it’ll still make a delicious curry.
  • Can I replace the gem squash? Yes. Acorn squash is a good substitute. Butternut squash can also be used, although it’s better cut into large chunks and added according to its cooking time rather than steamed as whole halves.
  • Can I reduce the chili? Yes. For a milder curry, use 1 tbsp chili powder or less. You can always add more heat later, but you can’t easily take it away.
  • Can I leave out the star anise? Yes, if you don’t have it or don’t enjoy its flavour. The curry will still be delicious, although the flavour will be slightly different.
  • Can I use fresh ginger and garlic instead of paste? Yes. Use a finely grated or crushed mixture of fresh ginger and garlic in place of the 2 tsp ginger and garlic paste.
An image of a bowl of Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash on top and made in a pot
Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash a delicious twist with gems steaming right on top

Why You Will Love and Enjoy This Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash

  • One pot cooking: The lamb, potatoes and gem squash all cook together, which means less washing up.
  • Big flavour: Bombay masala, dhania jeera, ginger, garlic and chili create a deeply spiced curry without a complicated ingredient list.
  • A clever cooking trick: The gem squash steams right on top of the curry, making the most of the pot while everything finishes cooking.
  • Perfect for sharing: This makes a generous family meal, and the leftovers are just as satisfying the next day.
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An image of a bowl of Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash on top and made in a pot

Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash

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  • Author: EsmeSalon
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings depending on size 1x
  • Category: Dinner Recipes
  • Method: Easy Cooking
  • Cuisine: Indian

Description

A hearty, richly spiced meal where tender lamb, soft potatoes, and sweet gem squash all cook together in one pot. The gem squash steams gently over the curry, soaking up all those lovely spices while the lamb finishes cooking underneath.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4.4 lb2 kg lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp jeera seeds
  • 2 star anise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 2 tsp dhania jeera powder
  • 2 tsp ginger and garlic paste
  • 3 tbsp Bombay masala
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 to 2 tbsp curry leaves, fresh or dried
  • Salt, to taste
  • 4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 1 tomato, grated
  • 1/2 cup water, only if needed
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 3 to 4 gem squash, washed, cleaned and halved
  • Salt, for seasoning the gem squash

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 1 tsp jeera seeds, 2 star anise and 2 bay leaves.
  3. Cook until the onion softens and starts to turn lightly golden.
  4. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp dhania jeera powder, 2 tsp ginger and garlic paste, 3 tbsp Bombay masala and 2 tbsp chili powder. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often so the spices don’t catch on the bottom of the pot. If the mixture looks too dry, add a small splash of water.
  5. Add 2 kg lamb and 1 to 2 tbsp curry leaves, then season with salt to taste.
  6. Mix really well, making sure the lamb is coated in the spiced onion mixture.
  7. Cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the lamb is about halfway cooked and has released some of its juices.
  8. Add 4 to 6 halved potatoes and 1 grated tomato.
  9. Pour in 1/2 cup water only if there isn’t enough liquid in the pot for the potatoes to cook properly.
  10. Stir gently, cover with the lid, and cook until the potatoes are about halfway done.
  11. Sprinkle 1 tsp garam masala over the curry and give it a gentle stir. Taste the gravy and adjust the salt if needed.
  12. While the curry is cooking, wash 3 to 4 gem squash, cut them in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy centre. Sprinkle the cut sides with a little salt.
  13. Place the gem squash halves cut side down over the curry, with the skin facing up.
  14. Try to arrange them in a single layer if your pot allows. Cover tightly with the lid and let everything cook over medium to medium-low heat.
  15. The steam trapped inside the pot will soften the gem squash while the curry gravy continues cooking the lamb and potatoes.
  16. Cook until the potatoes are completely tender, the gem squash is soft when pierced with a fork, and the lamb is tender and cooked through.
  17. If the curry becomes too dry before the lamb is tender, add a little water at a time and continue cooking. Don’t add too much, as you want a thick, flavourful gravy rather than a watery curry.
  18. Carefully turn the gem squash halves over so the cut side is facing up.
  19. Serve the tender lamb curry with potatoes and the steamed gem squash, spooning plenty of the spiced gravy over everything

Notes

Prepared, tried, and tested by Irene

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A fragrant lamb curry with a clever gem squash twist cooked right in the same pot.

An image of a bowl of Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash on top and made in a pot
One Pot Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash and Potatoes

Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash is a hearty, satisfying meal that brings tender lamb, soft potatoes and sweet gem squash together in one pot. The richly spiced gravy is full of Bombay masala, ginger, garlic and chili, while the steamed squash adds a gentle sweetness that balances every bite. It’s practical, generous and packed with flavour, making it an excellent choice when a comforting family dinner is exactly what’s needed.

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2 thoughts on “Lamb Curry with Steamed Gem Squash”

  1. Been searching all of Pinterest for a recipe like this.thks to google i found your mouthwatering recipe,had this dish when I was i only ten yrs,and still loving it.Thks the best recipe for Sunday lunch or winter cold days.

    1. cookandenjoyrecipes

      WOW – so glad you found my blog. Feel free to follow the blog and also why not join my FB group for more home-made tried and tested recipe. Link to FB group: Join and we will approve your request and then you can also submit your own recipes and pictures as you have seen on the blog. Let me know if you’re interested

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