Goan Lamb Vindaloo (Lamb Vindalho)
Slow simmered lamb shoulder in a sharp, hot Goan style sauce that is tangy rather than just fiery.
Made with Vindaloo paste and Ginger and garlic paste. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hrs
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £4.59 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Mix the lamb with your ready made vindaloo paste (see the base recipe). Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- 2
Heat the oil in a heavy casserole over a medium heat. Fry the onions for 12 minutes until deep golden. Add your ready made ginger garlic paste (see the base recipe) and fry for 2 minutes.
12 min - 3
Add the marinated lamb and fry for 8 minutes, turning, until browned all over.
8 min - 4
Pour in 400 ml of water, bring to the boil, then cover and simmer on a low heat for 1 hour, stirring now and then.
60 min - 5
Add the potatoes and simmer, covered, for a further 25 to 30 minutes, until the lamb is very tender and the potatoes are soft.
27 min 30 s - 6
Stir in the vinegar and salt, taste, and scatter with the coriander. Serve with rice.
Tips
- Marinate overnight if you can. The vinegar in the paste tenderises the lamb.
- Use lamb shoulder rather than leg. It stays soft through the long cook.
- Skim off any excess oil from the top before serving if you like a lighter finish.
Storing and freezing
Keeps for 4 days in the fridge, cooled within 1 to 2 hours. Freezes well for 3 months. Reheat gently until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What makes a Goan vindaloo different?
It is built on vinegar, garlic and dried chillies rather than the tomato and onion gravy of a curry house version. It tastes tangier and cleaner.
Can I use a pressure cooker?
Yes. After browning, cook under pressure for 25 minutes, then add the potatoes and simmer for 10 minutes with the lid off.
Can I make it with beef or pork?
Yes. Pork shoulder takes about the same time. Beef needs about 30 minutes longer.
More made with vindaloo paste
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.