Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Ground Lamb & Pea Medley?
It is a fragrant fusion dish combining succulent ground lamb with sweet peas, mustard seeds, and traditional Indian-inspired spices like garam masala.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Can I substitute the ground lamb with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground lamb with ground chicken, turkey, or beef.
What type of mustard seeds should I use?
You can use either black mustard seeds or yellow mustard seeds.
How do I prepare the mustard seeds?
Heat them in vegetable oil in a covered pan until they begin to pop, then shake the pan occasionally until the popping stops.
What aromatics are sautéed with the onions?
The dish uses finely chopped garlic, serrano chilies, bay leaves, and a touch of cinnamon.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped red onion.
How long should I sauté the onion mixture?
Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Should the lamb be cooked with the onions from the start?
No, the ground lamb should be browned in a separate pan before being combined with the onion mixture.
Do I need to drain the fat from the ground lamb?
If you are using lean meat, there is no need to drain the excess fat as it can be added directly to the onion mixture for flavor.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen peas for convenience, fresh peas can be used, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
How long do the peas need to cook?
The peas should be cooked for about 5 minutes until they are heated through.
What are Rotel tomatoes?
Rotel is a canned mixture of diced tomatoes and green chilies; you can choose the level of spiciness to suit your preference.
What is the purpose of adding garam masala?
Garam masala provides the warm, aromatic base that defines the curry-like essence of the dish.
How long should the mixture simmer after adding the tomatoes?
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
When should I add the yogurt?
Gently fold in the yogurt at the end of the cooking process, allowing it to warm through without boiling.
Why shouldn't I let the yogurt boil?
Boiling yogurt can cause it to curdle or separate, which affects the texture of the sauce.
What is a recommended garnish for this dish?
Freshly chopped cilantro is the recommended garnish.
What are the best side dishes for this medley?
It is best served with fluffy rice or warm naan bread.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11.25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be simple and fast enough for a busy weeknight.
How many serrano chilies should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 to 2 serrano chilies, depending on your heat tolerance.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 5 cloves of finely chopped garlic.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is included in the seasoning.
Can I adjust the amount of garam masala?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1.5 teaspoons but encourages adjusting to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Is this dish considered a one-pan recipe?
While it involves browning the meat separately, it is primarily finished in a single large skillet.