Week 5: Spice it up- Champ Masala!

This week's WIU theme is Spicy.
I'm pretty sure that this was one of the themes that I came up with... but to tell you the truth, I don't really enjoy spicy foods. I know right!
When I was thinking of what I could make this week, I tried thinking of the kinds of spicy foods that I do enjoy. Only one type came to mind: Indian food.

My sister and I love Indian food. So much so that most times we're together we order take away or go out and find a new restaurant that we hope to enjoy. This past Christmas, my sister gave me a cookbook full of Indian recipes. What better time to try one out!

For your viewing pleasure:

CHAMP MASALA
Serves 4-6
Prep. Time 30 minutes
Cooking Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

2lbs Lambchops
12 Almonds, blanched
1 tsp Brown Sugar
2 2/3 Tablespoons butter or oil
1/2 tsp Cardamom seeds
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 or 3 Whole Cloves
2 tsp Corriander leaves, chopped
1 Tablespoon Cumin Seeds
2 tsp Garlic Paste
2 tsp Ginger finely chopped
2 Green or Red Chillies deseeded and sliced
2 Onions, Chopped
2 tsp Sesame Seeds
3/4 cups plain Yogurt
Saffron (optional), few strands dissolved in 1 tsp milk
Salt to Taste

Preparation

1. Blend cumin seeds, ginger, garlic paste, cardamom seeds, cloves, almonds, sesame seeds, cayenne pepper, sugar and 2 tbs. yogurt to a puree, adding more yogurt if the mixture is dry. Pour mixture into a bowl and set aside.

2. Melt butter/oil in a large wok or pan. Add onions and fry till golden brown. Stir in the masala paste and fry for five minutes stirring constantly. Add a spoonful of water at a time if the mixture becomes too dry. Add the lamb chops and fry for 10 minutes on medium heat, turning chops frequently.

3. Beat the remaining yogurt and saffron together, pour it into the lamb and mix well. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to very low, simmer for 1/2 hour.

4. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

5. Transfer chops into a casserole dish and put into the oven to cook for at least 25 minutes.

To Serve:

Remove from the oven. Garnish with chopped coriander. Serve at once accompanied by Nan bread.

So my review of this.
IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE.
DELICIOUS.
Not un- bearbly spicy.

Sort of easy to make. As long as you can get all of the ingredients.
I will definitely be making this one again.
Maybe the next time my sister comes over.