If you love rich, spicy curries and tender, fall-apart lamb, then this Durban Lamb Chops Chutney is a must-try! A true South African Indian classic, this dish combines perfectly spiced lamb chops with a rich, slow-simmered tomato chutney.
Served with roti, rice, or fresh white bread, this is comfort food at its best—bold, aromatic, and bursting with layers of flavor. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✔️ Authentic Durban Flavors – Packed with spices, curry leaves, and fresh green chilies for a deep, rich taste.
✔️ Tender & Juicy Lamb Chops – Marinated and browned for extra flavor before simmering in the chutney.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
✔️ Versatile – Serve with roti, rice, or even soft white bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
What You Will Need
For this recipe, you’ll need a few pantry-friendly spices, fresh herbs, and of course, lamb chops:
• Lamb Chops – The star of the dish, marinated in turmeric, cumin, garlic, and salt.
• Aromatic Base – Onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies for bold, punchy flavors.
• Spices – Masala (curry powder), coriander, cumin, and turmeric create a deep, warm spice blend.
• Curry Leaves & Thyme – Essential for that signature Durban-style chutney aroma.
• Chopped Tomatoes – A rich, tangy base for the chutney sauce.
• Water & Oil – For cooking and adjusting the consistency of the chutney.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Lamb Chops
• Rub the lamb chops with turmeric, cumin powder, crushed garlic, and salt.
• Let them sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
2. Brown the Chops
• Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Fry the chops until golden brown on both sides, then remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Build the Chutney Base
• In the same pan, add cumin seeds, followed by sliced onions.
• Cook until the onions caramelize, then add garlic, ginger paste, and green chilies.
4. Add the Spices & Tomatoes
• Stir in masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and curry leaves with a splash of water.
• Let the spices cook for a minute before adding chopped tomatoes.
• Simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Simmer the Lamb Chops
• Return the chops to the pan and add a little more water to loosen the sauce.
• Cover and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the flavors meld together.
6. Garnish & Serve
• Finish with fresh thyme and serve hot with roti, rice, or white bread.
Tips for the Best Durban Lamb Chops Chutney
1. Caramelize the Onions Well – This adds depth and sweetness to the chutney.
2. Browning the Chops First – Locks in flavor and gives the dish a rich, smoky taste.
3. Use Fresh Curry Leaves – If possible, they add an authentic aroma to the chutney.
4. Adjust the Heat – Add more or fewer chilies depending on your spice preference.
5. Let It Rest – Letting the dish sit for 5-10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to develop further.
FAQ’s and Variations
Q: Can I use mutton instead of lamb?
A: Yes! Mutton works just as well but may require a longer cooking time to tenderize.
Q: What can I serve with chops chutney?
A: Roti, basmati rice, or soft white bread are perfect for soaking up the chutney.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the chops on sauté mode, add the chutney ingredients, and pressure cook for 15 minutes for ultra-tender lamb.
What To Serve With Lamb Chops Chutney
✔️ Roti – Soft, warm, and perfect for scooping up the chutney.
✔️ Fluffy Basmati Rice – A classic pairing for Durban-style curries.
✔️ Fresh Salad – A crisp cucumber and tomato salad balances the richness.
✔️ Pickles or Chutneys – Mango achar or a mint chutney adds a nice contrast.
Why This Recipe Works
This Lamb Chops Chutney is the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavours. The lamb is seared first for extra depth, then slow-simmered in a rich tomato-based chutney. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth chops in a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s irresistible.
It’s quick, easy, and packed with authentic Durban flavours, making it the perfect go-to meal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast.
If you love bold, comforting dishes, then this one’s for you! Try it today and let me know what you think. Leave a comment and don’t forget to share your creations!
Happy Cooking
Watch the video for Durban Lamb Chops Chutney
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The Best Durban Lamb Chops Chutney – Lamb Chops Masala
A true South African classic, this dish combines perfectly spiced lamb chops with a rich, slow simmered tomato chutney
Ingredients
Instructions
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Quickly marinate the chops with turmeric, cumin powder, crushed garlic and salt
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Heat a pan on medium to high heat, add oil
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Fry chops until nicely browned and remove
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To the same pan, add the cumin seeds, followed by the sliced onions
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Allow the onions to caramelise then add the garlic and ginger paste and green chillies Next add the spices with a little water and add the curry leaves
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Stir well and season
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Add the canned tomatoes and allow to simmer until thickened
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Add the chops back to the pan and add a little more water
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Allow to cook for a further 8-10 minutes
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Garnish and enjoy with roti, rice or white bread.
Thx 4 the great recipes
As a Durban girl, this meal is definitely a favourite!!! Absolutely divine
Thank you, this is amazing
Gonna give this a go this weekend
Looks devine….. Will definitely give it a try….
This looks so yummy!
Ooh my favorite 😍