Masala Lamb Shanks

8 lamb shanks, weighing approx. 1.2kg (2 3/4lbs) in total

1 tbsp ground turmeric

3cm (1 1/4 inch) piece of fresh ginger, grated

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 bay leaf

1 cinnamon stick

5 cloves

6 cardamom pods, bashed

450g (1lb) onions, sliced

1 x 400g (14oz) tin of chopped tomatoes

1–2 tsp honey

2 tsp ground cumin

3 tsp ground coriander

2 - 3 green chillies, halved

1 x 400ml (14fl oz) tin of coconut milk

8 large potatoes, peeled and halved

sea salt

lots of fresh coriander sprigs, to serve

Masala Paste

25g (1oz) desiccated coconut

1 1/2 tbsp coriander seeds

1 tbsp poppy seeds

1 tbsp fennel seeds

1 tbsp mustard seeds

1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper

2 - 3 red chillies, finely chopped

Mint Yoghurt

4 tbspchopped mint

300ml (10fl oz) natural yoghurt

sea salt and a little honey, to taste