Dry curry of lamb and eggplant

1.Steam lamb ribs over a saucepan of boiling water until tender (30 minutes).

2.Meanwhile, for spice paste, dry-roast whole spices in a small frying pan over low heat until fragrant (1 minute), then grind in a spice grinder. Pound spice mixture with remaining ingredients and a pinch of salt with a mortar and pestle until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.

3.Heat oil and ghee in a casserole over high heat, add ribs and eggplant and turn occasionally until lamb is golden (3-5 minutes). Remove ribs and eggplant and set aside. Add onions to pan and stir occasionally until golden (5-7 minutes), then add spice paste and stir until fragrant. Strain tamarind water into a bowl and add to pan with tomato, cardamom, lamb ribs, eggplant and 125ml water, then simmer, covered, until lamb is tender (1¼ hours). Season to taste and serve hot with yoghurt and steamed basmati rice.