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Rogan Josh
Aromatic Kashmiri lamb curry with slow-cooked meat in rich, warming spice gravy with saffron.
45 mins
120 mins
4 people
Kashmiri
Lamb shoulder
Cut into 2-inch pieces
800g
Yogurt
1 cup
Onions
Sliced thin
3 large
Ginger paste
2 tbsp
Fennel powder
2 tsp
Kashmiri chili powder
3 tbsp
Saffron
Soaked in warm milk
15 strands
Black cardamom
3 pods
Bay leaves
2
Cinnamon stick
1 inch
Cloves
4
Ghee
4 tbsp
🍽️ Lamb shoulder
→ Beef chuck or goat meat
Similar slow-cook texture
🍽️ Saffron
→ Turmeric + paprika for color
Budget-friendly alternative
🍽️ Kashmiri chili
→ Paprika with a pinch of cayenne
Achieves similar color and mild heat
Marinate lamb in yogurt, ginger paste, and salt for at least 2 hours.
💡 Pro Tip: Overnight marination yields the most tender results
Heat ghee in a heavy pot. Add whole spices (cardamom, bay, cinnamon, cloves) and bloom for 30 seconds.
💡 Pro Tip: Blooming releases essential oils - the foundation of flavor
Add sliced onions and cook until deeply brown (15-20 minutes).
💡 Pro Tip: This is the most important step - deeply caramelized onions create the gravy base
Add Kashmiri chili powder and fennel powder. Cook for 1 minute.
💡 Pro Tip: Cook spices in oil to develop depth - never add them dry
Add marinated lamb and sear on high heat for 5 minutes.
💡 Pro Tip: Searing locks in juices and adds another layer of flavor
Add water to just cover meat. Bring to boil, then reduce to lowest heat.
💡 Pro Tip: Low and slow is the mantra - never rush rogan josh
Cover and simmer for 90-120 minutes until meat falls off the bone.
💡 Pro Tip: Check every 30 minutes and add water if needed
Add saffron milk in the last 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
💡 Pro Tip: Add saffron late to preserve its color and delicate aroma
- ✓Use black cardamom for authentic Kashmiri flavor
- ✓Fennel powder is key - it distinguishes rogan josh from other curries
- ✓Cook onions until very dark brown - patience is essential
- ✓Low and slow cooking is non-negotiable
- ✓Lamb should be fork-tender, almost falling apart
- ✓Saffron should be added near the end
- ✓Gravy should coat a spoon thickly
- →With steamed basmati rice
- →With warm naan or roti
- →Garnished with cilantro and ginger julienne