Keema, a ground meat stew originating on the Indian subcontinent, is traditionally served solo or used to stuff samosas and naan. Here, associate food editor Rachel Gurjar uses it as a taco filling, fragrant with ground lamb, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. You can make the keema a day in advance and save any leftovers to spread between buns for a sloppy Joe–style sandwich or serve with rice for another quick weeknight meal.
What you’ll need
Dutch Oven
$90 At Amazon
Citrus Juicer
$20 $15 At Amazon
Chef's Knife
$61 $51 At Amazon
Cutting Board
$10 At IKEA
Recipe information
Yield
8 Servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Cook garlic, ginger, bay leaves, cumin seeds, and 1 onion, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and edges are golden brown and spices are fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add coriander, garam masala, paprika, cloves, and turmeric and cook, stirring often, until spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 2
Mix in tomato purée and cook, stirring occasionally to keep from burning, until thickened and starting to stick to bottom of pot. Add lamb and break into small pieces, then add 1 cup water. Season with salt and stir to combine. Cover pot and cook until lamb is cooked through and tender, about 20 minutes (some of liquid will have evaporated).
Step 3
Stir lime juice, mint, and ½ cup cilantro into lamb mixture. Build tacos with keema, tortillas, crema, cilantro sprigs, and more onion; serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.
Do ahead: Keema can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and chill.
