Discover this incredible gnarly lamb madras traybake recipe that combines tender lamb with aromatic spices in one easy homemade dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful meat recipe from www.bbrecipes.com delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

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Introduction

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen juggling multiple pots and pans just to create a memorable dinner? This gnarly lamb madras traybake is about to become your new best friend. This incredible recipe transforms tender chunks of lamb into a fragrant, spice-laden masterpiece that practically cooks itself while you relax. The beauty of this lamb madras traybake lies in its simplicity – everything goes into one tray, yet the flavors are complex and deeply satisfying.

What makes this gnarly lamb madras traybake truly special is how it captures all the bold, warming spices of traditional Indian cuisine while being incredibly approachable for home cooks. The lamb becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it slowly braises alongside vegetables, creating a complete meal that requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe guarantees impressive results every single time.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Marinade:

2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons salt

For the Traybake:

3 large onions, sliced thick
4 large potatoes, cut into wedges
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 tablespoons madras curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup beef or lamb stock
2 bay leaves
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (serves 6):

Calories: 485
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Iron: 4.2mg
Vitamin C: 45mg

This gnarly lamb madras traybake provides excellent protein content while delivering essential nutrients from the vegetables and aromatic spices, making it a well-balanced meal option.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Meat Begin by combining the lamb chunks with yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of meat is well-coated with the aromatic spice mixture. Allow the lamb to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination in the refrigerator will yield even more flavorful results for your gnarly lamb madras traybake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare all your vegetables by slicing the onions, cutting potatoes into wedges, and slicing the bell peppers. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 3: Create the Spice Base In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, madras curry powder, cumin, paprika, cardamom, and cayenne pepper. This aromatic paste will form the flavor foundation of your lamb madras traybake.

Step 4: Assemble the Traybake Drizzle vegetable oil into a large roasting pan or traybake dish. Arrange the marinated lamb pieces in the center, then surround with the prepared vegetables. Dot the spice paste mixture over the lamb and vegetables, then pour the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk evenly across the entire dish.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Seasonings Pour the stock around the edges of the pan, ensuring it doesn’t wash away your carefully placed spices. Tuck the bay leaves between the ingredients, and season everything generously with salt and black pepper. The liquid should come about halfway up the ingredients.

Step 6: Cook the Traybake Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes until the lamb is fork-tender and the vegetables are golden around the edges.

Step 7: Rest and Serve Allow the gnarly lamb madras traybake to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh cilantro just before bringing to the table.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile lamb madras traybake pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the rich, spiced sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa. The dish also works wonderfully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans as additional sides.

Consider serving this meal with cooling accompaniments like cucumber raita, plain yogurt, or a simple salad dressed with lemon juice and mint. These fresh elements provide a perfect contrast to the warm, complex spices in the lamb recipe. For special occasions, pair with mango chutney or pickled onions for an authentic Indian meal experience.

Pro Tips

To achieve the most tender results in your gnarly lamb madras traybake, choose lamb shoulder over leaner cuts as the higher fat content ensures the meat stays moist during the long cooking process. If you prefer your dish with more heat, gradually add extra cayenne pepper rather than overwhelming the other delicate spices.

For enhanced flavor development, toast whole spices like cumin seeds and coriander seeds in a dry pan before grinding them fresh for this recipe. This extra step takes just a few minutes but significantly elevates the overall taste profile of your lamb madras traybake.

Make sure your roasting pan is large enough to accommodate all ingredients in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than proper browning, which affects both texture and flavor development in this meat recipe.

Variations

Transform this gnarly lamb madras traybake into a chicken version by substituting boneless chicken thighs for the lamb and reducing the cooking time to 45-60 minutes total. The marinade and spice combinations work equally well with poultry.

For a vegetarian alternative, replace the meat with cauliflower florets, chickpeas, and extra vegetables like eggplant or zucchini. Reduce the cooking time to 45 minutes and use vegetable stock instead of meat stock for this plant-based variation.

Create a milder version suitable for children by reducing the cayenne pepper and madras curry powder by half, while increasing the coconut milk for extra creaminess. This substitute maintains the aromatic qualities while toning down the heat level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gnarly lamb madras traybake ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

What if I can’t find lamb shoulder? Lamb leg or lamb stew meat work as excellent substitutes. Just ensure whatever cut you choose has enough marbling to stay tender during the long cooking process.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this lamb madras traybake freezes beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of stock if needed.

How do I know when the lamb is properly cooked? The meat should be fork-tender and easily shred when pierced. If it’s still tough after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking in 15-minute intervals until desired tenderness is achieved.

Can I use lite coconut milk? Regular coconut milk provides the best richness and flavor, but lite coconut milk can be substituted if you prefer a lighter dish. The sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Conclusion

This gnarly lamb madras traybake proves that incredible, restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless prep time. With its perfect balance of aromatic spices, tender meat, and hearty vegetables, this recipe delivers comfort food that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. The one-pan cooking method means less cleanup while the slow braising process ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

The beauty of this lamb recipe lies in its flexibility – you can easily adapt the spice levels to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining the authentic taste that makes this dish so special. Whether you’re new to cooking with Indian spices or you’re a seasoned home cook looking for your next go-to recipe, this gnarly lamb madras traybake is guaranteed to become a regular feature on your dinner table.

Ready to transform your next dinner into something extraordinary? Try this incredible recipe tonight and discover why one-pan cooking can deliver such amazing results. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures and visit www.bbrecipes.com for more delicious meat recipes that will inspire your culinary creativity. Your taste buds will thank you for this flavorful journey into the world of aromatic, home-cooked goodness.