Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a flavorful and aromatic Indian lamb curry, featuring tender chunks of lamb simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato curry sauce. This dish is rich in flavor with a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness, making it a perfect choice for a comforting dinner or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rogan Josh is a luxurious curry that packs a punch with its combination of spices. The fall-apart tender lamb, slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices like paprika, coriander, cumin, and garam masala, makes for an unforgettable meal. The creamy tomato sauce, finished with yogurt and extra garam masala, adds a silky richness to the dish. Perfectly paired with basmati rice, this dish brings a taste of India to your home kitchen, and despite the long list of ingredients, you won’t need to hunt for any exotic spices—you’ll likely find everything at your local grocery store.

Ingredients

• 3.5 tbsp ghee (or substitute butter)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 6 green cardamom pods, lightly bruised

• 4 cloves

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated

• 5 tbsp tomato passata (US: tomato puree/sauce)

• 1 tsp salt

• 750g (1.5 lb) boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 3cm (1.2″) cubes

• 1.5 cups (375ml) chicken stock, salt-reduced

Spices:

• 2 tbsp paprika (normal or sweet)

• 3/4 tsp chili powder (or to taste)

• 4 tsp ground coriander

• 4 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp turmeric powder

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1/2 tsp fennel powder

Finishes:

• 1/2 tsp extra garam masala

• 1/2 tsp extra fennel powder

For Serving/Garnish:

• 1/2 cup (125g) plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)

• Chopped coriander leaves

• Finely shredded ginger

• Basmati rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté Spices: Melt ghee in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Cook Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is golden and starting to brown at the edges. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute.

3. Add Spices: Stir in the paprika, chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, nutmeg, garam masala, and fennel powder. Let the spices cook for 30 seconds, releasing their aroma.

4. Add Tomato and Stock: Stir in the tomato passata (or puree), salt, and chicken stock. Mix everything together.

5. Cook the Lamb: Add the lamb cubes to the pot, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Allow it to simmer gently for 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart with two forks.

6. Reduce Sauce: Once the lamb is tender, remove the lid and continue cooking for another 15 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.

7. Finish the Curry: Stir in the yogurt, extra garam masala, and extra fennel powder. Cook for another few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

8. Serve: Serve the Rogan Josh hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and shredded ginger. Pair with basmati rice, and add a side of cucumber salad or naan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: For extra heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chopped green chilies to the curry.

• Vegetarian Version: Use hearty vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or mushrooms in place of lamb for a satisfying vegetarian dish.

• Other Meats: This curry can be made with beef, goat, or even chicken, but lamb is traditionally the most flavorful choice for Rogan Josh.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Rogan Josh can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the curry has thickened too much in the fridge, add a little stock or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of lamb for this recipe?

While lamb shoulder is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness, you can also use lamb shank or leg of lamb. Just ensure you slow cook it until tender.

2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook Rogan Josh in a slow cooker. After browning the lamb and sautéing the onions and spices, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the lamb is tender.

3. Is it necessary to use ghee in this recipe?

While ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor, you can substitute it with butter or even vegetable oil if you prefer.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, Rogan Josh tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

5. What can I serve with Rogan Josh?

Rogan Josh is typically served with basmati rice, but naan bread or a cucumber salad also make excellent accompaniments.

6. Can I use store-bought garam masala?

Yes, you can use store-bought garam masala if you don’t have the individual spices. However, freshly ground spices will yield a more intense flavor.

7. Can I make this recipe without yogurt?

You can omit the yogurt if you prefer, though it helps to balance the heat and add creaminess to the curry. If avoiding dairy, use coconut milk as a substitute.

8. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the chili powder. For a milder curry, use less chili powder or omit it altogether.

9. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of tomato passata?

Yes, you can substitute tomato passata with canned tomato sauce. Just be sure to check for added seasonings or salt in the canned version.

10. Can I freeze Rogan Josh?

Yes, this curry freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Rogan Josh is a true celebration of rich, bold flavors with tender lamb and a creamy, spiced curry sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its fragrant spices and deep, satisfying flavor, this Indian lamb curry will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.