Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s part of his effort to create easy, delicious meals with minimal ingredients. The idea behind the recipe is to prove that you don’t need a long list of spices, herbs or a ton of time to make a rich, satisfying curry. With just five ingredients, you can create something that’s bursting with flavor without getting lost in the complexity that many curries often bring. It’s a great recipe for those who want a quick, comforting meal but don’t want to compromise on taste.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. each ingredient shines through, creating a harmonious blend. The lamb is tender, absorbing all the fragrant spices and richness of the coconut milk, with a gentle heat from the chili. It’s comfort food, elevated in the most effortless way.

Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The key to this curry is simplicity and the ingredients list is as follows:

1. Lamb Shoulder or Lamb Neck. The star of the dish. These cuts of lamb are flavorful and become incredibly tender when cooked slowly. They have the right balance of fat and meat, perfect for a curry.
2. Coconut Milk – Adds richness and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices. It’s a must for bringing that creamy texture and depth of flavor to the curry.
3. Curry Powder – The only spice needed. It’s packed with flavors like turmeric, cumin and coriander, making it a shortcut to that familiar curry taste.
4. Fresh Red Chili – For a bit of heat and a punch of freshness. You can adjust the amount depending on your tolerance for spice.
5. Fresh Coriander – This herb brings a burst of freshness and a little citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the curry, rounding everything out.

That’s it. Just five ingredients but each one plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced, full-flavored dish.

Equipment Needed

When it comes to equipment, there’s not much needed to make this curry. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Large Pan or Dutch Oven. You’ll need something that can hold all the ingredients and allow for slow cooking. A heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven is perfect because it ensures even heat distribution, preventing any burning or uneven cooking.
2. Knife and Chopping Board. For preparing your lamb and chopping the chili and coriander.
3. Wooden Spoon or Spatula. To stir the curry and ensure that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
4. Lid – A lid will help trap moisture and allow the curry to simmer slowly, making the lamb super tender.

That’s about it. This is all about keeping things fuss-free.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry

The method is as easy as it gets. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Prepare the Lamb: Start by cutting the lamb into chunks. You can go for bite-sized pieces or larger chunks-whatever suits you best. If you’re using lamb shoulder or neck, you may want to trim off any excess fat.
2. Sear the Meat: Heat some oil in a large pan or Dutch oven. Brown the lamb in batches so it gets a nice sear. This step is crucial for developing depth of flavor, so don’t skip it.
3. Add Curry Powder: Once the lamb is browned, sprinkle in your curry powder and stir it around for a minute. This releases the fragrance of the spices and makes the base of your curry aromatic.
4. Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk. Stir everything together, making sure the lamb is coated. The creamy coconut milk will help form the curry sauce.
5. Simmer: Now, pop a lid on the pan and let everything simmer on a low heat for about an hour. This slow cooking allows the lamb to tenderize and absorb all the flavors.
6. Chili and Coriander: Once the lamb is cooked through and tender, throw in your chopped fresh chili for that burst of heat. Stir in the fresh coriander right at the end for that final touch of freshness.
7. Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste. Depending on your preferences, you might want to add a little salt, pepper or even a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve it up with some steamed rice or naan bread and you’re good to go.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry taught me that simple cooking can be incredibly satisfying. I realized that you don’t need a ton of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something that tastes like you’ve spent a lot of effort on it. The lamb becomes so tender that it practically falls apart and the coconut milk makes the whole dish feel luxurious without being overly complicated.

I also appreciated how each ingredient was necessary to achieve the balance of flavors. The curry powder provided warmth, the coconut milk brought creaminess, the lamb offered depth and the fresh chili and coriander gave it that perfect contrast. It was a reminder that cooking doesn’t always need to be complex to be flavorful.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry is already super simple but there are definitely some ways you can tweak it to bring more depth or adjust it to your taste.

1. Spice Level: If you love heat, you can add some fresh chilies (red or green) along with the curry powder. If you want more of a smoky flavor, a teaspoon of smoked paprika could do wonders. For a deeper kick, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper.
2. Herbs and Aromatics: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can really elevate the flavor. Add them as a garnish at the end for a burst of freshness. You can also toss in some fresh ginger, finely chopped, to add a zesty, aromatic punch.
3. Additional Vegetables: The recipe might be simple with just lamb and a couple of ingredients but adding vegetables can make it even more robust. Think peas, carrots or even a handful of spinach. They won’t just add more nutrients but will also balance the richness of the lamb.
4. Yogurt Twist: If you’re after a slightly creamier curry, swirl in a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt toward the end of cooking. It’ll add richness and make the curry smoother without losing that beautiful tang.
5. Coconut Milk: Swap out a bit of the water or broth with coconut milk. It adds a velvety texture and some tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with lamb.
6. Marinade for the Lamb: Let the lamb marinate for a couple of hours with some of the curry powder, a squeeze of lime and garlic. It’ll infuse the meat with more flavor and make it even more tender.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers are a blessing when it comes to a dish like lamb curry. Here’s how you can store it properly to keep it tasting great for days.

1. Cooling Down: Before you store the curry, let it cool down to room temperature. Don’t leave it out for more than two hours, though. Food safety is key!
2. Airtight Containers: For best results, store your leftover curry in an airtight container. Glass containers are ideal as they won’t absorb any odors like plastic might.
3. Fridge Storage: It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you’re not planning on finishing it in that time, don’t hesitate to freeze it.
4. Freezing: To freeze the curry, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, allow it to defrost overnight in the fridge before warming it up on the stove.
5. Reheating: When reheating, do so gently. Lamb can dry out if heated too quickly or on too high of heat. Add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry?

A good curry always needs some companions to shine. Here are a few suggestions that pair well with Jamie’s lamb curry:

1. Rice: Classic, right? But it’s for a reason. The fluffy, tender rice soaks up the curry sauce, making each bite satisfying. You can go for white, brown or even basmati rice for a little more fragrance.
2. Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the curry. You could also try garlic naan for extra flavor or even opt for whole wheat naan for a bit of a healthier twist.
3. Raita: A cooling cucumber raita balances the heat of the curry. It’s simple to make. just mix yogurt, grated cucumber, mint and a pinch of salt. It’ll add a refreshing contrast.
4. Salad: A light, crunchy salad with some sliced tomatoes, red onion and cucumber tossed in a lemon dressing brings some freshness to the meal. The acidity of the dressing will complement the richness of the curry.
5. Chutney: A sweet mango chutney or a spicy lime pickle will provide another layer of flavor. The sweetness or tartness will enhance the curry without overwhelming it.
6. Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables like cauliflower or green beans work as great accompaniments. They add a touch of lightness and crunch to balance out the richness of the curry.

FAQs

What Are The 5 Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Curry?

The 5 main ingredients are lamb, curry powder, garlic, coconut milk, and fresh coriander.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Lamb Curry?

It usually takes about 45 minutes to cook, including prep time.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Curry Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better the next day!