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Lemoni Dahi Aloo Qeema
Creamy, tangy qeema with tender potatoes, yogurt, warming spices and a subtle lemony finish.

This Lemoni Dahi Aloo Qeema combines savory minced meat and tender potatoes with creamy yogurt, aromatic spices and a slice of lemon. The qeema is cooked until the masala is rich and the oil separates, then the potatoes gently finish in the flavorful gravy.
Lemoni Dahi Aloo Qeema
Ingredients
- ½ kg qeema (ground meat)
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 large onion, chopped (or 2 medium onions)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic-green chili paste
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 lemon slice
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Red chili powder, to taste
- 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 2 tsp coriander (dhania) powder
- 2 tsp cumin (zeera) powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp water, for sautéing the spices
- 1 cup water, for cooking the potatoes
For Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
- Green chilies
- Thinly sliced fresh ginger
Instructions
- Brown the onion: Melt the butter with the oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and fry until golden brown.
- Add the aromatics: Add the ginger-garlic-green chili paste and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Cook the qeema: Add the qeema and cook, breaking it apart as you stir, until it changes color and the released water has dried.
- Add the spices: Add garam masala, red chili, Kashmiri chili, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric and salt. Add 2 tablespoons water and sauté for 2–3 minutes. Add another small splash of water only if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add the yogurt: Stir in the yogurt and mix well. Continue cooking until the yogurt cooks down and the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- Add potatoes and lemon: Add the cut potatoes and lemon slice together. Sauté for a few minutes so the potatoes are coated well in the qeema masala.
- Cook until tender: Add 1 cup water, cover and cook over low-medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. If needed, cook uncovered briefly to reduce excess liquid to your preferred consistency.
- Garnish: Once the qeema and potatoes are fully cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, green chilies and thinly sliced ginger.
Serving Suggestion
Serve Lemoni Dahi Aloo Qeema hot with naan, chapati or steamed basmati rice.
Recipe Tip
After adding the yogurt, let it cook until the oil begins to separate before adding the potatoes. This helps develop a richer masala and keeps the yogurt flavor balanced.
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