Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 400 g Basmati Rice (2 cups) (makes 6 cups once cooked)
- 80 g Frozen Peas (pre-cooked)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely diced
- 500 g Lamb Mince (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Curry Powder (any blend you like)
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Dried Fenugreek Leaves (methi)
- 1 tsp Salt (add more to taste)
- Small bunch of fresh Coriander leaves (cilantro) to serve
- Optional: Fresh chopped green chilli to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse and cook 400 g of basmati rice according to package instructions or your preferred method until fluffy and tender. Set aside.
- Cook the Peas: Cook 80 g of frozen peas by boiling or steaming until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Onion and Garlic: Finely dice 1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic, keeping them ready for frying.
- Fry Onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and fry gently for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the diced garlic to the onions and continue frying for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Lamb Mince: Add 500 g of lamb mince to the pot. Using a spatula, break the meat apart and fry until it is browned evenly, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomato Puree: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato puree, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the lamb evenly with the spices.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the lamb and spice mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the rice finishes cooking.
- Combine Rice and Peas: Stir the warm cooked basmati rice and cooked peas into the spiced lamb mixture until well combined.
- Stir Fry Together: Fry the combined mixture together for a few minutes on medium heat, stirring continuously to ensure everything is heated through and the rice absorbs the spices. If using leftover chilled rice, fry longer until fully heated.
- Add Optional Chili: If desired, add fresh chopped green chilli at this stage and stir to incorporate for extra heat.
- Add Fresh Coriander: Chop a small bunch of fresh coriander leaves and stir them into the dish right before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the keema rice hot. It pairs beautifully with sides such as saag bhaji, Indian salad, mango chutney, and mint raita.
Notes
- Use fresh lamb mince for best flavor, but frozen is acceptable if thawed properly before cooking.
- Adjust salt and chili according to personal taste preferences.
- For a milder version, omit the green chilli or reduce the curry powder quantity.
- Leftover rice should be dry or cooled; wet rice will clump during frying.
- Fenugreek leaves add a unique flavor depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with yogurt-based raita or chutneys for added contrast and flavor.
- Ensure lamb is cooked through completely for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian