Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Traditional Durban Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti (Step-by-Step)

Name: Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: Serves 2-3
Cuisine: Durban Indian, South African
Ingredients: 250-270 grams of mutton or lamb pieces (she uses lamb as this cooks faster); 250 grams spaghetti; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 1/2 tomatoes, blended; 1 bay leaf; 1 star aniseed; 1/2 cinnamon stick; 1/4 teaspoon fennel (soomph) seeds; few sprigs of thyme; a sprig of curry leaves; 1 teaspoon ginger & garlic paste; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon cumin (jeera) powder; 1/4 teaspoon coriander (dhania) powder; 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder; 3 tablespoons chilli powder/masala; 1/4 cup fresh coriander (dhania) for cooking; salt to taste; handful of freshly chopped coriander (dhania) for garnishing

Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti

Make authentic Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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Prep Time15 mins

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Cook Time22 mins

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Total Time37 mins

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ServingsServes 2-3

Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti: A Taste of Home

There are some dishes that go beyond flavour, they carry memories, comfort, and the unmistakable feeling of being home. For me, that dish is Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti.

It wasn’t something you’d find in a recipe book. In fact, I’m not sure Mum ever followed a recipe when she made it. It was one of those creations born out of practicality and love, a way to stretch a bit of lamb, a jar of curry powder, and a packet of spaghetti into something hearty and unforgettable.

The smell alone takes me straight back to childhood evenings: the sizzle of onions in the pan, the gentle hum of curry spices blooming in hot oil, and the rich aroma of lamb simmering until tender. I’d hover around the kitchen, impatient and hungry, waiting for that moment when Mum would say, “It’s ready!”

What makes this dish special isn’t just the fusion of flavours, the comforting spice of curry mixed with the familiarity of spaghetti, but the heart behind it. It’s Mum’s kind of cooking: simple, resourceful, full of warmth, and always shared around a crowded table.

Even now, when I make it myself, it never tastes quite the same. Maybe it’s because nothing can fully replicate that feeling of being home, of someone cooking for you out of pure love. But each bite still brings me back, reminding me of who I am and where I come from.

So here it is, my version of Mum’s Curried Lamb Spaghetti, inspired by all those nights when the kitchen was filled with laughter, spice, and the smell of something wonderful bubbling away on the stove.