Mince Curry with Potatoes
This recipe was updated on 14 March 2020. Mince Curry with Potatoes was often cooked by my mum when I still lived at home, all of my mum’s lamb dishes were out of this world, delicious. My kids always rave about her cooking and insist that I cook lamb dishes exactly like “Ma”.
Most South African curries are cooked in a similar way to this Mince Curry with Potatoes. My Durban Lamb Curry is one of them. Although most curries are cooked the same way it’s always about getting the balance of spices right to make an amazing curry. I sometimes mix my own Homemade Masala , however there are times when I use a store bought one, for the convenience.
Always remember the key to a good curry is “low and slow”. Your heat must be low and you have to allow all the spices to really infuse so you need time. A good curry can never be rushed.
I must also admit living in Johannesburg is not the same as Durban where you have a spice shop around every corner. Sometimes it is a challenge when you run out of spices. However, even store bought masala can ruin your curry if it’s not a great tasting one. Over the years I’ve tried many different brands and although I try and stick to the one’s I love, I’ve had my fair share of disappointments with this too. So you will find that you may need to change your brand from time to time.
Often I try and stick to a medium strength masala. I find the extremely hot ones really does ruin the flavors in a curry. I love hot but not so hot that all you can taste is chilli. It’s not that difficult to make your own masala but it is time consuming as I do love roasting and grinding my own fresh spices. I use Kashmiri Chilli Powder more for the bright color it adds to my curries, it’s a South African thing, your curry has to look the right color. Anything but a bright red color is unacceptable by South African Indian standards.
This Mince Curry with Potatoes is spicy, with just the right amount of heat, and mouthwatering. My favorite way to eat it is with fresh, crusty bread and sambals. You can also have an Indian version of a sloppy joe using this cooked mince.
Mince Curry with Potatoes
Ingredients
- 500 gram lamb mince or mince of your choice
- 3 tbsp light olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 star aniseed
- 1 black elachie/cardamom
- 2 tspn ginger/garlic paste
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 1 tbsp masala
- 1/2 tspn ground soomph/fennel seeds
- 1/2 tspn turmeric
- 1 tspn garam masala
- 2 roma tomatoes blanched and grated
- 1 sprig curry leaf
- 2 small potatoes cut into medium sized cubes
- 1/4 cup water only if required
Instructions
- Heat oil in a flat pot on medium heat and add cinnamon, bay leaf, star aniseed and black cardamom.
- Once it becomes fragrant add curry leaf and onion and sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add ginger/garlic paste and sauté for a minute. Add chilli powder, masala, turmeric, fennel, garam masala and cook until it forms a paste, about 2 minutes. Add a few drops of water to prevent scorching.
- Add mince meat and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Add potatoes and mix well. Season with salt. Turn the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes
- Add grated tomatoes and allow it to simmer until potatoes are soft. During the cooking time you can add a 1/4 cup of water or a little more if you feel the curry is drying out. I don’t usually require too much water.
Notes
- If you do not have access to masala you can use Kashmiri or any chilli powder, however reduce or increase the amount according to your preference. Some chilli powder is hotter than others
Great recipe. Mince Curry came out amazing.
Thank you.
Thank you so much Kumi:-)
Absolutely delicious
Thank you so much Melanie:-)
Really gòod and very easy
Thank you so much Dean:-)
Lovedbthe outcome
Thank you Zuraida:-)
Looks amazingly delicious. Mince potato curry is one of my favourites.
Thank you:-)
TOP CLASS… SIMPLY GREAT.. AS I REMEMBER IT… ALSO GREAT TO SERVE WITH FILLING THE INSIDE OF PITA BREADS (JUST WHEN I’M BATTLING FOR TIME). Patrick Padayachee Cape Town
Thank you so much. Im so glad you enjoyed it:-)
Hi Lorraine
Having lived in Durban for most of my life, was in the mood for a real Durban curry, and this one (like all your other recipes) never disappointed me. It was delicious, and just perfect on a bitterly cold winter’s day in Gqeberha. Curries here cannot compete with Durban curries. Thank you so much.
Kind regards.
Thank you so much Jennifer. Glad you got a little taste of home. Yes, nothing beats a good Durban curry on a cold day, I agree:-)
I veganised this using Future Mince and it was still superb 👌🏽 Perfect traditional Durban curry. Thank you.
Thank you so much Kimehra. Glad you enjoyed it:-)
This mince curry was delicious with just the right amount of spice. It made me miss home. The recipe was easy to follow. Thanks. Going to make your chicken biryani later today. Thanks, we love your recipes
Thank you! Was delicious – I also added some peas.
Always create great meals using your recipes. Grateful for this website
I made this recipe this morning. Very delicious. Thank you.
Lovely flavour from all the whole and powdered spices.
Wow!Sabash…absolutely amazing….have a teenage daughter who prefers mince with pasta…so cooked the same way as u mentioned…omitted the potatoes..added sliced carrots,all colour julienne peppers, mushrooms, sweet corn & just added in the pasta (macaroni/spaghetti)…was magnifique.😋👌👏🥳Thank you for an amazing blog…super easy to follow & all ur recipes I tried came out perfect. 👌🙏
Your recipes are detailed & super simple to follow …love all ur recipes as they are a no fail as everyone I tried was just perfect. 👏👌🙏
I can’t believe a simple mince curry could smell so fragrant & taste soo good 👌🏼🙌 Thank you Lorraine for a wonderful recipe 💖
Loved this Lorraine. Thank you. I taught my 33 year old daughter how to make a delicious curry, using only the freshest ingredients(I’m Irish so always up for a good curry). Turned out yummy. Only constructive critism I have is that the potatoes took ages to soften therefore I would recommend parboiling or microwaving for 4 min before adding. I have pics of preparation and after but don’t know how to post them. Keep on keeping on. Here’s to ya girl🥂
Love your recipes. Am based in London and I use your recipes all the time. Thank you so much….gives me a taste of home ❤️
Thanks for your lovely website with the easy to follow and guaranteed to be delicious recipes.
As a newlywed married to a man who grew up in Durban your recipes have become my guide to satisfy his cravings for home .
Many of the mince curries I’ve tried before turned out bland, but this one is absolutely delicious! My husband requests it often. Tastes equally good with lamb or beef mince.