Cardamom lamb hotpot

Method

• step 1

  Put the onion, garlic and ginger in a food processor and blend to a purée. Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onion purée for 20 mins until starting to colour, stirring frequently. Add the cardamom and coriander, and fry a few mins more.

• step 2

  Stir in the lamb, fry until it starts to brown, then pour in the stock. Add the chilli, tomato purée, coconut and curry leaves, then cover and simmer for 1 hr. Add the aubergines and cook for 30 mins more until the lamb and aubergine are tender.

• step 3

  Meanwhile, make the potato topping. Boil the potatoes whole in their skins for 15-20 mins until just tender, then drain and cool. Also, wilt the spinach in a hot pan. Cool and squeeze in your hands to remove as much water as you can. Peel and thickly slice the potatoes, then toss with the oil, tamarind, turmeric, cumin seeds, curry leaves and seasoning.

• step 4

  Stir the spinach into the curry and spoon into one extra-large or two regular-size ovenproof dishe(s). Pile the potatoes on top and lightly press down. Dish can now be frozen, see below. If eating straight away, heat oven to 160C/180C fan/gas 4 and bake for 50 mins-1 hr (add 30-40 mins if using an extra-large dish). Serve with chutney and raita or an Indian salad made with chopped red onion, coriander, tomatoes, cucumber and lemon juice.