Lamb w/ yoghurt coconut milk & almond masala

Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients:

1 ts Saffron threads
2 ts Caraway seeds
1/4 c Ghee (or melted butter)
1/2 ts Cardamom seeds
2 c Chopped onions
2 ts Chopped fresh ginger
2 c Coconut milk
1/2 c Cold water
2 c Unflavored yoghurt
2 ts Salt
4 1 in stick of cinnamon
6 Whole cloves
3 Cloves garlic chopped
1/2 ts Grnd red chili pepper
3/4 c Boiling water
2 lb Cubed lamb
1/2 c Unsalted almonds

Instructions:

Drop the saffron threads into a small bowl or cup add 1/3 of the boiling water and soak for at least 10 minutes. Pour the saffron and its soaking liquid into a deep bowl and stir in the yoghurt caraway seeds and salt. Add the lamb and turn it about with a spoon until all the pieces are evenly coated. Marinate the lamb at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile combine the almonds and the rest of the boiling water in a bowl and soak for 10 minutes. Pour the almonds and their soaking water into a blender and blend until you have a smooth paste. Set aside. In a heavy casserole heat the ghee over moderate heat until fairly hot. Add the cinnamon cardamom and cloves stir for a minute or so then add the onions garlic and ginger. Lifting and turning them constantly fry for 7 to 8 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown. With a slotted spoon remove the lamb from the marinade add the meat to the casserole and stir over moderate heat until it browns evenly. Stir in the marinade and the cold water then add the almond puree and red pepper and cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour in the coconut mild bring to a boil and simmer partially covered for 20 minutes or until the lamb is tender. To serve discard the cinnamon and cloves mound the lamb attractively on a deep heated platter and pour the sauce over it.