Saag Gosht (Lamb and Spinach Curry)

In saag gosht, tender pieces of lamb sit in a deeply savoury spinach gravy, giving the curry its distinctive green colour and hearty character. The dish brings together slow-simmered meat, browned onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and warm ground spices, with the spinach added late so it softens into the sauce rather than losing all freshness. A little yoghurt rounds the gravy with gentle tang and creaminess. Robust without feeling heavy, it is the kind of curry that suits rice, flatbreads or a simple spread of pickles and chutneys.
Cuisine style Indian curry
Spice level Medium
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Make-ahead friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Slow-cooked

Why this recipe works

  • Layered spice base: Browning the onions, blooming the spices and searing the lamb build a savoury foundation before the curry simmers.
  • Tender, slow-simmered lamb: Lamb shoulder becomes soft and rich when cooked gently, giving the curry depth without needing a complicated method.
  • Smooth, rounded finish: Yoghurt softens the spice and adds body, while the spinach folds into the sauce without making it heavy.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a milder curry: Use less green chilli, or remove the seeds before slicing.
  • For more heat: Use a hotter green chilli or add extra chilli when cooking the ginger and garlic.
  • Balance before serving: Taste after the yoghurt is added, as its tangy creaminess will soften the chilli and spices.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose lamb shoulder: Boneless lamb shoulder suits this curry because it becomes tender during the long, gentle simmer.
  • Add spinach late: Stir the spinach in at the end so it wilts into the sauce without losing too much colour or freshness.
  • Use plain yoghurt: Plain yoghurt gives the sauce tang and body; stir it in off the heat for the smoothest finish.

Common mistakes

  • Boiling the lamb hard: Keep the curry at a gentle simmer; aggressive boiling can toughen the meat and reduce the sauce too quickly.
  • Catching the spices: Once the ground spices go in, stir constantly and cook only briefly so they bloom without scorching.
  • Adding yoghurt over high heat: Take the pan off the heat before stirring in the yoghurt, then warm gently if needed.

Make-ahead tips

  • Good for making ahead: The curry holds well in the fridge and the spices settle nicely after resting overnight.
  • Reheat gently: Warm over low heat with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot and avoiding a hard boil.
  • Freezer-friendly: Cool completely before freezing, then defrost in the fridge before reheating gently.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the ghee in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Finely slice the onion, then add it with a pinch of the salt and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until deep golden.
  2. Slice the green chilli, peel and finely grate the ginger, and crush the garlic. Stir them into the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric and 1 tsp of the garam masala. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, so the spices bloom without catching.
  4. Cut the lamb into bite-sized pieces and add to the pan with the remaining salt. Turn the heat up to medium-high and brown for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb has lost its raw colour and has some caramelised edges.
  5. Stir in the canned tomatoes and water, scraping up any browned bits from the base of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for 60 minutes, stirring every so often, until the lamb is tender.
  6. Add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, then take off the heat and stir in the yoghurt and remaining garam masala.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then rest for 5 minutes so the sauce settles. Serve hot.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the simmer gentle; a hard boil can make the lamb tough and the sauce reduce too quickly.
  • Stir the yoghurt in off the heat to prevent it splitting, then warm through gently if needed.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, use pasteurised yoghurt and ensure the curry is piping hot throughout before serving.

Substitutions

  • Replace ghee with olive oil for a lighter finish.
  • Replace yoghurt with crème fraîche for a slightly richer, less tangy sauce.
  • Replace spinach with baby kale for a more robust green flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water, stirring until piping hot; avoid boiling to keep the yoghurt smooth. Freeze for up to 3 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 1h 45min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
One pot Freezer friendly

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