Rogan Josh
A classic Kashmiri lamb curry featuring incredibly tender lamb simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce. The vibrant red hue comes from Kashmiri chilies, which provide color and a mild warmth, while yogurt adds a subtle tang and creaminess. This slow-cooked dish is a true celebration of aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(Trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 200 ml Full-fat plain yogurt(Whisked until smooth)
- 6-8 Kashmiri dried red chilies(Stems removed. Adjust quantity for desired color and mild heat.)
- 3 Large onions(Finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh ginger(Grated or finely minced)
- 6 Garlic cloves(Peeled and finely minced)
- 1 tsp Fennel seeds(Lightly toasted and ground)
- 6 Green cardamom pods(Lightly crushed)
- 60 g Ghee or neutral oil(Approximately 4 tbsp)
- 2 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chili paste: Soak the dried Kashmiri chilies in hot water for 15-20 minutes until softened. Drain and blend them into a smooth paste, adding a tablespoon of water if necessary. Set aside.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Heat the ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the lamb cubes generously with salt. Brown the lamb in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until deeply golden on all sides. This searing develops crucial flavor. Remove the browned lamb and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the same pot and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. This slow caramelization is key to the sauce's depth.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 4
Add the minced ginger and garlic to the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Add the prepared Kashmiri chili paste and the crushed cardamom pods. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chili paste to cook slightly and deepen in color.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 7
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Stir to coat the lamb with the spice mixture. Pour in the whisked yogurt and stir continuously over low heat for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the yogurt curdle; if it looks like it might, remove the pot from the heat briefly while stirring.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Add the ground fennel seeds and season with salt to taste. Add about 200ml (approx. 1 cup) of hot water, or enough to just cover the lamb. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 9
Cover the pot tightly, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the lamb is exceptionally tender and falling apart. Stir occasionally, adding a splash more hot water if the curry becomes too dry. The sauce should thicken and the oil should start to separate and rise to the surface.
⏱️ 2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes - 10
Once the lamb is tender, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 11
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Rogan Josh is traditionally served with rice or naan bread.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Kashmiri chilies are prized for their vibrant red color and mild heat. If unavailable, use a combination of paprika for color and a small amount of cayenne pepper for heat.
- ✓Slow and low cooking is crucial for tenderizing the lamb and developing the complex flavors of the sauce. Avoid rushing this process.
- ✓The characteristic 'rogan' (red oil) that floats on top is a sign of a well-made Rogan Josh. It indicates that the fats and spices have rendered properly.
- ✓For an even richer flavor, you can marinate the lamb in yogurt and some of the spices for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before browning.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- While lamb is common, traditional Kashmiri cuisine often uses goat meat for Rogan Josh.
- For a sweeter and richer variation, add a handful of pitted prunes or dried apricots during the last hour of simmering.
- A pinch of garam masala can be added at the end of cooking for an extra layer of warmth and aroma.