Lamb Rezala (Indian Lamb Stew)

Name: Lamb Rezala / Indian Lamb Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 lb lamb (bone-in); 2 cups yogurt (whisked (see note 1)); 2 tbsp oil; 2 medium onion ((roughly chopped)); 1 inch ginger ((roughly chopped)); 4 cloves garlic ((roughly chopped)); 1-2 green chilies (slit (adjust as per taste)); 10 cashews ((see note 2)); 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt ((adjust as per taste)); 2 bay leaves; 5-6 cardamom; 2-3 sticks cinnamon; 5-6 cloves; 1 tsp whole pepper; 1 tsp garam masala

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5 from 50 votes

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Lamb rezala is a popular dish in Bengali cuisine, particularly in the Bangladesh region and the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a rich and aromatic lamb stew made with tender pieces of lamb or mutton cooked in a creamy white sauce.

This dish is made using goat meat in Indian restaurants and is called mutton rezala. It is known for its unique combination of flavors and the use of yogurt or curd as a key ingredient.

My easy rezala recipe, made using an Instant Pot, offers the authentic taste found in the restaurants of Calcutta. The dish is ready in under 45 minutes, requiring only 10 minutes of hands-on time. Mutton rezala is an excellent choice for gatherings and special occasions.

Traditionally, this dish is served with biryani or roomali roti; however, you can enjoy it with basmati rice or Indian bread like naan or paratha. Also, check out this recipe to make spinach lamb kofta curry.

Ingredients

Lamb: Bone-in lamb shoulder or leg of lamb works best for this recipe.

Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt (also called curd in India) is an important ingredient in this recipe.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-step instructions

Sauted whole spices and lamb in the Instant Pot. — **Step 1:** Heat oil and add the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, whole pepper, cardamom, and cloves). Once the spices bloom, add the lamb pieces.

Browned lamb pieces in the Instant Pot. — **Step 2:** Saute the lamb for 2-3 minutes until they are browned.

Onion paste added over the lamb in the Instant Pot. — **Step 3:** Grind onion, ginger, and garlic into a smooth paste using a little water. Add this to the browned lamb.

Cooked onion paste along with lamb in the Instant Pot. — **Step 4:** Saute for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell goes.

Whisked yogurt and cashew paste added to lamb-onion mixture in the Instant Pot. — **Step 5:** Next, add the cashew paste, whisked (or blended) yogurt, green chilies, salt, and sugar. Mix well and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add one cup of water and deglaze the pot.

Pressure cooked lamb rezala in Instant Pot. — **Step 6:** Pressure cook for 20 minutes on LOW pressure. Let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes, then quickly release the remaining pressure. Add the garam masala and mix well.

Expert Tips

Make sure the yogurt is whisked well and there are no lumps in it. You can also give it a quick blend instead of whisking. This is important as the lumps may curdle the sauce and ruin the texture of the final dish.

Using cashews adds richness to the rezala's creaminess, but remember that it should not overpower the dish. The dish should have a subtle nuttiness yet a smooth and creamy texture. Soak the cashews for a few minutes to ensure it grinds into a smooth paste.

Saute the onion paste just for a few minutes to remove the raw smell. We don't want to brown the onions in this dish.

What to serve with lamb rezala

Lamb rezala is commonly served with naan, basmati rice, or other Indian bread. It can also be paired with flavored rice like jeera rice and saffron rice.

If you are looking for more indulgent options, pair lamb rezala with chicken pulao or vegetable biryani. Side dishes like roasted bell peppers or pan-fried chayote squash are my favorite to make it a well-rounded meal.

Recipe FAQs

How to store leftover lamb rezala?

Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.

How to make this dish in a slow cooker?

Start with browning the meat and cooking onion, yogurt, and cashews as per this recipe in a frying pan. Transfer it to a slow cooker and add one cup of water. Cook for 6 to 8 hours on high or until the lamb is tender.

Can I substitute lamb with another meat?

Chicken or goat are common alternatives, but adjust cooking times and spices accordingly.

What type of yogurt should I use?

Full-fat yogurt provides the best texture and flavor, but low-fat can work, too.

Lamb rezala in a white bowl placed on white surface.

More Indian lamb recipes

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