Rogan Josh
A classic Kashmiri curry featuring tender lamb or mutton slow-cooked in a fragrant, fiery red gravy. The rich color comes from Kashmiri chilies, making it a spectacular centerpiece for any meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Spice Paste
- b.In a small bowl, whisk the room-temperature curd until completely smooth.
- c.Add the Kashmiri red chili powder, fennel powder, and dry ginger powder to the curd. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform, lump-free paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the Mutton
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the ghee is hot, add the mutton pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Work in batches if necessary.
- d.Sear the mutton for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is well-browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor.
- e.Remove the seared mutton with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Aromatic Base
- b.In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the bay leaves, black and green cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they release their aroma.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and have turned a deep golden brown.
- d.Stir in the ginger paste and garlic paste. Cook for another minute until their raw smell disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Incorporate the Yogurt Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Add the hing and give it a quick stir.
- c.Very slowly, pour the curd-spice mixture into the pot, stirring continuously and vigorously. This prevents the curd from splitting or curdling.
- d.Continue cooking on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the masala darkens in color and you see oil separating from the mixture at the edges.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Slow Cook the Curry
- b.Return the seared mutton pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the masala.
- c.Pour in 2 cups of hot water and add the salt. Stir everything together.
- d.Increase the heat to bring the curry to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
- e.Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 80-90 minutes, or until the mutton is fork-tender. Stir every 20-25 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the mutton is cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala over the curry and stir gently.
- c.Cover the pot again and let the Rogan Josh rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the signature red oil ('rogan') to float to the surface.
- d.Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or fresh naan bread.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use bone-in mutton or lamb as the bones add immense richness to the gravy.
- 2To prevent the curd from curdling, ensure it's full-fat, at room temperature, and added on very low heat while stirring constantly.
- 3Don't rush the browning of the onions. Deeply caramelized onions provide a sweet, rich backbone to the curry.
- 4For a more vibrant red color, you can infuse a small piece of Ratan Jot (Alkanet root) in 1 tbsp of hot ghee, strain it, and add the colored ghee at the end.
- 5Patience is key. Slow cooking is essential for tender meat and a well-developed gravy.
- 6If the gravy becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of hot water to reach your desired consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Authentic Kashmiri Pandit Style
For a more traditional version, omit the onions, ginger, and garlic. Increase the amount of hing to 1/2 teaspoon and rely on the curd and powdered spices for the gravy base.
Pressure Cooker MethodPressure Cooker Method
To save time, after completing Step 4, transfer everything to a pressure cooker. Add the mutton and water, and pressure cook on medium-low heat for 5-6 whistles (about 20-25 minutes) until tender.
Vegetarian Rogan JoshVegetarian Rogan Josh
Replace the mutton with 500g of whole button mushrooms or large chunks of paneer. Sear them first and reduce the final simmering time to 15-20 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Mutton is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the red meat, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is essential for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Anti-inflammatory Spices
The recipe uses a blend of spices like ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties that help combat inflammation in the body.
Aids Digestion
Key spices like fennel powder (saunf) and dry ginger powder (sonth) are traditionally used in Indian cuisine to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and soothe the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
Rogan Josh is moderately healthy. It is an excellent source of protein and iron from the mutton. However, it also contains saturated fat from the ghee and red meat, so it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.