Finished lighter homemade Lamb Curry on a New Zealand dining table

A lower-calorie way to make Lamb Curry

Lamb Curry — with trimmed shoulder, tomato and a light yoghurt finish

Lean lamb shoulder slowly tenderises in a toasted spice and tomato sauce with plenty of vegetables, about 470 kcal per serving.

470 kcalestimated/serving
212 kcal · 31%less than reference
135 minprep to plate
8 servingsrecipe yield

Prepare wet and firm components separately, remove excess moisture and combine only once each element has the right texture. The finished lamb curry has clear browned surfaces, a moist centre and no greasy or watery layer.

The change that makes it lighterTrim shoulder closely, use tomato for body and stir yoghurt in off the heat instead of coconut cream

What changes—and what stays

From with fatty lamb, coconut cream and a large rice portion often 650–850 kcal to 470 calories

Trim shoulder closely, use tomato for body and stir yoghurt in off the heat instead of coconut cream. Cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, tomato and lemon build warm depth around the lamb.

PartConventionalLighterWhy
Core methodMore added fat or a heavier proportionTrim shoulder closely, use tomato for body and stir yoghurt in off the heat instead of coconut creamCumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, tomato and lemon build warm depth around the lamb.

How the flavor stays

Cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, tomato and lemon build warm depth around the lamb.

A cost rule that survives inflation

Pumpkin, carrots and lentils stretch 1.2 kilograms of lamb across eight bowls.

Ingredients for 8

Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.

Trimmed dry lamb cubes
  • 1.2 kgclosely trimmed lamb shoulder
  • 900 gtomatoes
  • 700 gpumpkin
  • 500 gcarrots
  • 350 gred lentils
  • 450 gonion
  • 350 gplain yoghurt 2%
  • 18 gcanola oil
  • 16 gcurry spices

Method

Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.

Trimmed dry lamb cubes
1

Step 1 · follow the visible cue

Trim and dry the lamb

Remove every thick seam, cut equal cubes and blot every surface dry.

Look for: Cubes are even and matte with no white fat cap.

Deeply browned lamb
2

Step 2 · follow the visible cue

Brown in three batches

Sear lamb in uncrowded batches and remove each only after a dark crust forms.

Look for: Meat is deep brown and the pot holds fond, not grey liquid.

Lamb in reduced curry sauce
3

Step 3 · follow the visible cue

Toast spices and braise

Brown onion, toast spices, add tomato and simmer lamb gently before vegetables and lentils.

Look for: Lamb is nearly tender and the sauce reduced without an oil slick.

Lighter New Zealand lamb curry
4

Step 4 · follow the visible cue

Finish with yoghurt off heat

Cook pumpkin and carrot just tender, take off the boil and stir through tempered yoghurt.

Look for: Lamb yields to a spoon and the sauce is smooth.

Measured ingredients and four visible cooking stages for Lamb Curry
AI-generated instructional imagery; it is not evidence of a physical kitchen test.

Calories at the same serving size

with fatty lamb, coconut cream and a large rice portion often 650–850 kcal682 kcal
This recipe470 kcal

212 kcal · 31% lower estimated

The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 8 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.

470 kcalCalories
41gProtein
37gCarbs
17gFat

Keep the leftovers in the same spirit

Cool Lamb Curry within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only the amount required.

Cool Lamb Curry within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only the amount required.

Frequently asked questions

Can Lamb Curry be prepared a day ahead?

Yes. Cool quickly and keep crisp, fresh or delicate parts separate until serving. Cool Lamb Curry within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only the amount required.

What does the calorie figure for Lamb Curry include?

It covers one of the stated servings from the listed quantities only; extra sides and sauces are not included. Trim shoulder closely, use tomato for body and stir yoghurt in off the heat instead of coconut cream.

9:41
CaloNote
Lunch12:30 PMAI Reanalyze
Lamb CurryEdit Mode
470kcal
C 37gP 41gF 17g
39%43%18%
Ingredients
  • closely trimmed lamb shoulder1.2 kg
  • tomatoes900 g
  • pumpkin700 g
  • carrots500 g
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Method and sources

Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial

This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.

Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026

Make another familiar dinner lighter