(Adapted from “West Indian Lamb Curry” by Melissa Clark, New York Times Cooking)

This recipe doubles that from which it was adapted and should yield 10 to 12 servings. It lends itself to freezing and thereby could provide you with several nights meals, after you and your guests have had your fill.

Ingredients:

For the first step – marinate and refrigerate the lamb:
• 6 lb. boneless Leg of Lamb, cut into 2 inch cubes
• 2 tbsp. Curry Powder
• 2 tbsp. Kosher Salt
• 2 tsp. Ground Ginger
• 2 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 2 large White Onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 12 Scallions, washed and coarsely chopped
• 16 cloves of Garlic, peeled and smashed
• 2 inch piece of fresh Ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. whole Allspice berries, crushed
• 12 thyme sprigs, leaves stripped and stems discarded
• 4 tbsps. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the second step – cooking:
• 4 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 tsp. Curry Powder
• 2 cups dry White Wine
• 8 cups diced potatoes, about 4 whole potatoes, peeled
• 4 cups diced carrots, about 8 peeled
• 4 Habanero, Scotch Bonnet or Jalapeño peppers, chopped (with or without seeds depending on your tolerance to heat)

For the third step – serving:
• Cooked white Basmati Rice, about 1/4 cup uncooked per serving
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Major Grey’s Chutney

Preparation:

Prepare the marinade and refrigerate the lamb:
1. With paper toweling, pat dry the cubes of lamb, and place in a very large bowl.
2. Combine the next 4 ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Add to the lamb and toss well.
3. Combine the next 6 ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Working in batches place the mixture in a food processor, and, adding olive oil as necessary, purée into a paste. Add the puréed mixture to the lamb and toss well, coating each piece of spiced lamb.
4. Tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight or up to 72 hours.

Cook the lamb:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch Oven over medium-high heat, and add the 4 tsp. of Curry Powder, stirring for about 30 seconds.
2. Workings in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the marinated lamb cubes and brown on all sides, add additional olive oil to prevent the lamb from burning and sticking to the bottom, if necessary.
3. As the cubes are browned to your liking, transfer them to a large platter.
4. When all of the lamb has been browned, add the white wine and de-glaze the pot, scraping up the fond as you do so.
5. Return the lamb and any accumulated juices from the platter, as well as any left over marinade, to the Dutch Oven. Add water to just cover the lamb, add the cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, uncover the Dutch Oven, lower the heat to a simmer and braise for 30 minutes.
6. Add the potatoes, carrots and peppers and continue cooking on medium-low heat for an additional 45 minutes.
7. Using tongs, or a slotted spoon, remove the meat and vegetables and place in a large bowl or pot, and keep warm.
8. Strain the liquid into a fat separator, and add the de-fatted gravy, as well as any solids, to the meat and vegetables.

To serve:
1. Cook the rice according to the directions on the box, using 1/4 cup of uncooked rice per person. (Note: only cook as much rice as you need for the first meal; for left overs, cook rice at that time.)
2. Serve the stew, rice, cilantro, lime wedges and chutney.