Keema Matar (Minced Lamb Curry with Peas)
Why this recipe works
- Built-in depth: Onions, garlic, ginger and ground spices are cooked before the lamb goes in, giving the masala a rounded base rather than a raw spice flavour.
- Proper browning: Browning the minced lamb and reducing its liquid before simmering keeps the curry rich, savoury and concentrated.
- Reheats well: The thick masala-style sauce holds up in the fridge or freezer and can be loosened gently with a splash of water when reheating.
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Ingredient notes
- Lamb mince richness: Minced lamb gives keema its characteristic richness; cook it long enough for excess moisture to evaporate so the sauce does not taste thin.
- Frozen peas work well: Frozen peas can be added straight to the pan near the end, keeping their colour and gentle sweetness without overcooking.
- Tomato balance: Cook the grated tomato until the masala looks glossy and thick; this softens the acidity and helps the sauce cling to the mince.
Common mistakes
- Rushing the onion base: Keep the heat moderate while cooking the onion so it turns deep golden without scorching, which can make the curry bitter.
- Adding water too early: Wait until the lamb has browned and its liquid has mostly evaporated before adding water; otherwise the curry can taste boiled rather than well developed.
- Overcooking the peas: Add the peas at the end and cook only until hot and tender so they stay sweet and distinct.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for batch cooking: Keema matar keeps well for several days in the fridge and is suitable for freezing once completely cooled.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the masala has thickened too much.
- Flavour develops: The spices settle into the sauce as it rests, so leftovers can taste even more rounded the next day.
Serving ideas
- With flatbreads: Serve with chapatis or naan for scooping up the thick mince and masala.
- With rice: Plain basmati rice is a good match when you want a softer, more complete bowl-style meal.
- Fresh finish: A small handful of fresh coriander or a squeeze of lemon can add brightness if you have them available.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion. Grate the tomatoes, discarding the skins, then crush the garlic and finely grate the ginger.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of the fine sea salt and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander and ground turmeric and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the grated tomatoes and the remaining fine sea salt. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the masala thickens and the oil begins to separate at the edges.
- Add the minced lamb and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the lamb is browned and any liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Stir in the water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the lamb is tender and the sauce is thick but spoonable.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes until hot and tender. Turn off the heat, stir in the garam masala and black pepper (if using), then rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Recipe notes
Serving suggestions
This recipe pairs well with:
Tips
- For the best texture, take time to brown the minced lamb properly before adding the water; it deepens the flavour and keeps the curry from tasting watery.
- If the masala starts catching while cooking the tomatoes, add a splash of water and keep stirring until it turns glossy again.
- Food safety: make sure the minced lamb is cooked until piping hot all the way through, with no pink remaining.
Substitutions
- Replace minced lamb with minced-beef for a milder, less rich keema.
- Replace sunflower oil with ghee for a more traditional, buttery finish.
- Replace tomato with canned-chopped-tomatoes for convenience; cook a few minutes longer to reduce.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (40min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Indian
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