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Mamta Gupta’s Keema Meatball Curry

Published on September 5, 2016 • Last updated October 13, 2024 by Elizabeth
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Mamta Gupta's Indian Keema Meatball Curry

Lamb mince makes delicious kofta (meatballs) that can be added to any curry sauce. This meatball curry is so tasty and perfect for a special meal or a weekend treat, and despite the long list of ingredients, it is easy to make and relatively inexpensive, too.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Mamta Gupta's Keema Meatball Curry
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Mamta Gupta’s Indian Keema Meatball Curry
  • Other keema sutra recipes
  • Other curry recipes you might like

I am a huge fan of spice and vibrant fresh flavour, which means we eat many Indian and Middle Eastern foods in our house. We’re also fans of lamb. For years, every Autumn, I’ve bought a whole lamb from a local crofter for our freezer. The lambs are reared in the fields outside my house, lambs I know have been treated well, and lambs that have been slaughtered locally, meaning lower food miles.

Lamb mince is an incredibly delicious and versatile ingredient. You can use it in comfort food dishes like shepherd’s pies and barbecue kofta skewers, but what about non-traditional recipes like hash, pancakes, tortillas, tacos, toasties, nachos, pasta bakes, or even a Scotch egg?

Mamta Gupta's Keema Meatball Curry

Recently, the keema meatball curry by Mamta Gupta over at Mamta’s Kitchen, really caught my eye, so this weekend I treated the family to a quick and delicious Indian curry (recipe reproduced with permission).

Would you believe that even the kids ate it! When you’ve got fussy kids like mine this is so much for the win!

The keema meatball curry was simple to make, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about working with whole herbs and spices. The scents and aromas wafting from the kitchen had the family ooh-ing and aah-ing long before dinner was ready, and the thing with Indian cooking is that you can always adjust the heat to your liking. I only used half a chopped chilli in my meatballs, which was perfect for the kids. Not too spicy, but still with a kick of heat to get the juices going. I always serve a little bowl of plain, natural yoghurt on the side to help cool things down.

Mamta Gupta's Keema Meatball Curry
Mamta Gupta's Keema Meatball Curry

Recipe Difficulty Levels

Easy

Requires basic cooking skills and ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.

Moderate

Requires more experience, preparation and/or cooking time. You may have to source special ingredients.

Challenging

Recipes requiring more advanced skills and experience and maybe some special equipment.

Mamta Gupta's Keema Meatball Curry

Mamta Gupta’s Indian Keema Meatball Curry

Lamb mince makes delicious kofta (meatballs) that can be added to any curry sauce. This meatball curry is so tasty and perfect for a special meal or a weekend treat, and despite the long list of ingredients, it is easy to make and relatively inexpensive, too.
2.34 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Elizabeth

Ingredients

for the meatballs

  • 500 grams lamb mince
  • 1 large free-range egg slightly beaten
  • 1 medium onion peeled and roughly chopped
  • 0.5 inch fresh ginger root peeled
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1-2 green chilli finely chopped (or use red)
  • 1.5 tsp Shetland sea salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 fresh mint leaves (or mint, if you prefer)

for the whole spices

  • 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
  • 3 green cardamom pods broken slightly with a mortar
  • 8 whole peppercorns
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 inch cinnamon stick or cassia bark

for the curry

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion peeled and roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1 inch fresh ginger root peeled
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for colour
  • Shetland sea salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 medium fresh ripe tomatoes or 200 grams chopped tinned tomatoes
  • 0.5 – 0.75 pint water
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves to garnish

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Instructions 

  • Place all meat ball ingredients, except the lamb and egg, in a food processor and process finely. If you don't have a food processor chop the ingredients as fine as you can.
  • Place the lamb in a large bowl and add the onion mixture and the egg. Mix well by hand or with a large spoon.
  • Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and leave in the fridge for a few hours, or overnight, to marinate. This helps the flavours to infuse.
  • When ready to cook the curry, shape the meatballs into 20 walnut sized balls. I divided the mixture into half, then half again to make the balls as evenly sized as I could. Wetting your fingers and palms helps with the rolling.
  • To prepare the curry, heat the vegetable oil in a heavy based saucepan.
  • When the oil is hot, add the whole spices. When the cumin seeds begin to sizzle add the onion, garlic and ginger mix.
  • Fry this mixture until it is golden to dark brown. This might take awhile, but be patient – it’s an important step in making the curry taste amazing.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, ground coriander, turmeric, chilli powder, paprika and salt. Cook until the oil separates or the mix looks shiny.
  • Add the water, bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Add the meatballs, raw, to the simmering (but not boiling!) sauce. Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, with the lid off (covering with the lid sometimes causes the meatballs to break), shaking the pan on occasion and turning once.
  • When meat balls are ready, any oil will separate and float to the top of the sauce. Add half the coriander leaves and garam masala, stir gently and transfer to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with remaining coriander and serve hot with freshly made chapattis, steamed rice or plain pilaf rice.

Video

Notes

These meatballs can also be served plain as a snack or starter – you can even squish them into flat burger patties and serve in mini burger buns. Just shallow fry in a pan and serve with a fresh green chutney or your choice of condiment.

Other keema sutra recipes

Mamta Gupta’s Indian Keema Lamb Meatballs by Kavey Eats (Mamta’s daughter)
Spicy Lamb Keema Pizza by Supergolden Bakes
Lamb Keema Nachos by Foodie Quine
Lamb Keema Tacos by Fuss Free Flavours

Other curry recipes you might like

gluten free lamb curry image

Easy Lamb Curry Recipe

Image of Thai green chicken curry in a bowl.

Easy Thai Green Curry Recipe

Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

Category: Hoof & Feather, Lamb, RecipeTag: Indian recipes, lamb recipes, meatball recipes

About Elizabeth

Solivagant. Foodie. Calls Shetland home.

Previous Post:The Swan, ShetlandSailing on the Swan LK243
Next Post:Shetland Seafood LinguineSeafood Linguine - in collaboration with Bertolli

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lea

    May 8, 2021 at 9:04 pm

    1 star
    Meatballs have the strangest texture, far too light to carry the sauce. The lamb is lost. Smoked paprika overbears and lots more cooking of the sauce required to stop it tasting raw and watery.

    Reply
  2. Pat C.Wilson

    September 19, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    meatball with white rice is the best combination for a dinner. i usually cook meatball with tofu ( try it out Elizabeth 😀 ) because my kids eat much more whenever i make that dish.
    i forward more posts from you, have a nice week!

    Reply
  3. Emily Rose

    September 15, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    I’m a big curry fan, although mine are vegan! But i might try some soya meatballs!

    Reply
  4. Charlotte

    September 11, 2016 at 11:20 am

    What a great idea. I have only ever had meatballs in bolognaise. Bet they would be fab in a curry!

    Reply
  5. Tracy Morgan

    September 10, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    Making this for tea tonight! Although I won’t ever be able to compete with these beautiful photos!

    Reply
  6. Annie B

    September 9, 2016 at 11:06 am

    Firstly your photography is awesome. I can’t stand lamb and you’re making even me hungry! I guess this would maybe work with different meat?

    Reply
  7. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

    September 8, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    Wow how delicious does this look. A really authentically spiced curry.

    Reply
  8. Platter Talk

    September 8, 2016 at 2:33 pm

    Those look delicious & I love curry! We are going to give this recipe a try next weekend! Thanks.

    Reply
  9. Melissa @ My Wife Can Cook

    September 8, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Wow, this looks amazing! I have never had curry and meatballs together. I love all those spices, I bet the whole house smelled amazing while making this!

    Reply
  10. Anna Fraser

    September 7, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    Oooof this looks amazing! I love curry and cook it possibly twice a week – I’m quite literally addicted to spices so this recipe couldn’t be any more up my street if you possibly tried!
    I’m going to give it a go on Friday night. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Colleen C

    September 7, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    First of all, I love your photography! And these meatballs look delicious! Doesn’t help that I’m sitting through a chemotherapy session right now, dying for yummy food! Beautiful post! xoxoxo

    Reply
  12. The London Mum

    September 7, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    I have never thought about a meatball curry before but it sounds and LOOKs amazing!

    Reply
  13. Valerie

    September 7, 2016 at 5:17 pm

    I’ve never had meatballs and curry together. This looks so good.

    Reply
  14. Hannah

    September 7, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    This looks and sounds like a great meal – I need to try it soon!

    Reply
  15. Melissa major

    September 7, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    Looks like a very nice curry! Really must make it one day 🙂

    Reply
  16. Dr.Amrita Basu

    September 7, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    I love lamb keema curry.It’s comfort food to beat all.
    I am Indian and this has been a Sunday dinner favourite fora very long time.You pics are so great I can literally smell the aroma wafting from this beautiful dish.

    Reply
  17. Jasmine Watts

    September 7, 2016 at 6:21 am

    Yumm.. this looks so delicious! I would love to try out this recipe today.

    Reply
  18. Lakisha

    September 7, 2016 at 5:04 am

    Omg I love Indian food! I’ve always wonder how many seasonings and spices were used to create such flavorful dishes! Thanks for the tips

    Reply
  19. Tara L

    September 7, 2016 at 4:44 am

    I would so love to make this recipe but would need help I dislike all the ingredients you have to put in lol I guess that is what curry is all about all the spices have to be just right!

    Reply
  20. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

    September 6, 2016 at 10:39 pm

    I do love a good curry and this ones sounds especially delicious.

    Reply
  21. Kerry Norris

    September 6, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    I’m pretty sure I saw a pic of this on your Instagram and I started salivating. We luckily are able to buy lamb straight from a farmer by us. Will defo be cooking this x

    Reply
  22. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    September 6, 2016 at 7:22 pm

    I do love a curry and a meatball curry sounds really comforting too.

    Reply
  23. nicol

    September 6, 2016 at 7:13 pm

    Beautifully presented and looks amazing. Btw, you photography is on point.

    Reply
  24. Fatima

    September 6, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    I’ve never tried curry, but I’d love to add it to my dish. I hear it gives it a nice kick

    Reply
  25. Rachel

    September 6, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    My mouth is literally watering with this, all those colours and flavours, wow.

    Reply
  26. Claire

    September 6, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    Oh how lovely! When we return from hols I have a lot of food posts p[anned – you are inspiring me!

    Reply
  27. Ana

    September 6, 2016 at 11:27 am

    It looks so delicious! Thank you again for sharing such a delicious recipe and definitely, try this out.

    Reply
  28. Anna nuttall

    September 6, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Beautiful photos and this meatball curry look delicious. I have bookmarked this and will be making this soon. xx

    Reply
  29. Sondra Barker

    September 6, 2016 at 10:34 am

    I do enjoy a good curry quite often and this one looks absolutely delicious! Your photos are beautiful and the recipe sounds even better! I’ll have to try this one out the next time I’m craving a tasty curry!

    Reply
  30. Sam | North East Family Fun

    September 6, 2016 at 9:36 am

    Do you know what, I’ve never thought of using meatballs in a curry – we always use lamb/chicken/prawns. Going to try this next time to mix things up a bit x

    Reply
  31. Tracy Morgan

    September 6, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Oh, that really does look beyond amazing! Saving it to make myself!

    Reply
  32. Jessica

    September 6, 2016 at 3:12 am

    I love Indian food too! This meatball curry is indeed a dish with a spice and vibrant fresh flavour that makes you wanting it more and more.

    Reply
  33. Liz Mays

    September 6, 2016 at 12:50 am

    Yum! I really like curry with some spice. I know I’d like this recipe!

    Reply
  34. Ana De- Jesus

    September 5, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    I am a big fan of spice as well and I really feel like it can add flavour to pretty much any dish. This looks lovely.

    Reply
  35. Sam Bresnahan

    September 5, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    Very interesting choice using meatballs. I never considered meatballs in curry. Looks delicious

    Reply
  36. Nellwyn

    September 5, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    This looks so yummy! Perfect for the upcoming cold weather.

    Reply
  37. Katy Stevens

    September 5, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    This looks absolutely amazing! I have bookmarked it to come back to 🙂

    Reply
  38. Tara

    September 5, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    Oh this looks fabulous, I’d love to give it a go!

    Reply
  39. Rhian Westbury

    September 5, 2016 at 8:53 pm

    I’m not usually a fan of currys but this meatball one sounds so yummy x

    Reply
  40. Harriet from Toby & Roo

    September 5, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    This is just too delicious. I absolutely love the curry flavours and I can’t wait to give this a go!

    Reply
  41. Meg Kerns

    September 5, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Ack- this is the second curry post I’ve come across today- guess what we’re having for dinner now! Yum! Thank you for sharing, looks delish!

    Reply
  42. Lisa

    September 5, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    Curry is always so delicious, and I’ve actually never used minced lamb before – in fact I’m not sure I could even get it here, but now I’ll be on the lookout for it! If I can’t find it I’ll substitute chicken or keep it vegetarian…otherwise I have all the ingredients so this one goes on my short list of new recipes to try!

    Reply
  43. Christine Dodd

    September 5, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    This looks delicious. Personally I like a lamb mince burger served with liberal amounts of tsatsiki

    Reply
  44. Dahn @savor the Best

    September 5, 2016 at 7:28 pm

    This looks incredible, lamb is one of my favorites and tastes so good in a curry. I love that your using whole spices for a fresh, vibrant flavor

    Reply
  45. Janette@CulinaryGinger

    September 5, 2016 at 7:22 pm

    I miss a good Indian curry and always make my own, which I prefer. Now I have a new recipe, thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  46. LaaLaa

    September 5, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Oh this looks delicious, I love curry being a vegetarian I substitute. Meatball curry very different, I like.

    Reply
  47. Shanna

    September 5, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    THIS LOOKS AMAZING! I want to lick the screen!
    I have to try this for dinner one night!

    Reply
  48. Tara

    September 5, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    This sounds incredible! So rich in flavor! I love the photos, especially showing the spices.

    Reply
  49. Paighton Millington - The Lazy Baker

    September 5, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    Oh I’m going to have to make this, it’s looks delicious! ☺️

    Reply
  50. Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes

    September 5, 2016 at 5:33 pm

    I love all of the vibrant colours of a curry. This looks wonderful, I’ve never had a meatball curry before.

    Reply
2.34 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Cooking up a storm at the edge of the world

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