Moghul Lamb With Turnips - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon gingerroot, peeled and coarsely chopped (about a 2-inch piece)
2 green chilies, stemmed (mild or hot, depending on your tastes)
2/3 cup oil
2 bay leaves (Indian cassia leaves, see description)
2 lbs boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes (or boneless leg)
1 pinch asafoetida powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups water
1 lb baby turnip

Preparation

Place onion, garlic, ginger and chiles in a food processor and chop to form a paste.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven and add onion mixture and the cassia leaves. Fry over high heat for 5 minutes, reduce heat to medium and fry another 2 minutes. Onions should be just starting to brown. Add the lamb and stir until all pieces are coated with onion mixture. Fry 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the asafoetida, chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric and garam masala. Stir well. Cook 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and yogurt and cook 1 minute. Add salt and pepper and water a little at a time, stirring after each addition. Cover pan and simmer 30 minutes.
Add turnips and continue simmering another 45 minutes, or until turnips are tender.
Serve hot with naan bread.