History

Lamb popsicles were created at Vij's by Meeru Dhalwala and Vikram Vij in 1994, a New Zealand lamb chop marinated in coriander, cumin and yogurt, grilled, then served in fenugreek-cream sauce. The dish became Vij's signature, photographed in cookbooks, the Globe and Mail, and the basis of My Indian Kitchen. Vij's appears on Air Canada's enRoute Top 10 perennial, plus Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations Vancouver episode.

Common allergens: Dairy, Soy

Make it at home

Yield Serves 4Hands-on 25 minTotal 3 hrDifficulty Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 12 lamb rib chops, frenched
  • 150g plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated
  • 200ml heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Neutral oil for the grill

Method

  1. Whisk yogurt with coriander, cumin, garam masala, salt and garlic. Coat the lamb chops in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  2. Heat cream with crushed dried fenugreek leaves and turmeric over low heat. Simmer 8 minutes until reduced and fragrant. Season to taste, keep warm.
  3. Heat a grill pan or barbecue to high heat. Brush the chops with neutral oil.
  4. Grill the lamb chops 2 to 3 minutes per side until charred and medium-rare. Rest 3 minutes off heat.
  5. Pool warm fenugreek cream sauce on each plate. Arrange three lamb chops per portion.
  6. Garnish with a dusting of garam masala and extra dried fenugreek leaves. Serve immediately.

Tip from the editors. The marinade and the fenugreek cream are essential; do not substitute fresh fenugreek for dried. Frenched chops grill faster and stay tender.

Where to eat vij's lamb popsicles

Vij's lamb popsicles in Vancouver

Vij's ★ 4.9

Modern Indian$$$south-granvilleTue-Sun 17:30-22:00, closed Mondays

Vij's on Cambie Street has been Vancouver's reference modern Indian kitchen since 1994 under Vikram Vij and Meeru Dhalwala, walk-in only and full-flavour.

Signature: Lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry, Marinated lamb popsicles, Jackfruit and bottle gourd curry

Order: Marinated lamb popsicles in fenugreek cream curry, the dish that built Vij's reputation since 1994.

Tip: Walk-in only, no reservations. Show up before 17:30 or after 21:00 to avoid the queue, or sit at the bar in My Shanti.

3106 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W2 Book →

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