Lamb rogan josh
This aromatic curry, characterized by its rich red color and tender chunks of lamb, is a staple of Indian cuisine and has won hearts worldwide. Traditionally slow-cooked, rogan josh is a dish that combines an array of spices with succulent lamb, making it perfect for home cooks eager to explore the depths of Indian culinary art.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the lamb cubes with yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, and salt. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
To prepare the spice base, heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seeds to the onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
Add the marinated lamb to the pot and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes until the lamb is browned on all sides. Mix in ground coriander, turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, and ground fennel seeds. Stir well to coat the lamb in spices. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add water or lamb stock to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the garam masala and adjust the salt to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Choose the right cut of lamb. Shoulder or leg cuts become tender with slow cooking.
Balance the spices. Kashmiri red chili powder gives the dish its signature color without too much heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or stock. If too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
Lamb rogan josh pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. For a complete meal experience, serve with a side of cucumber raita and a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.
Variations
For a lighter option, swap lamb for boneless chicken thighs or breast. Chicken cooks faster than lamb, you will need cook it only for 30-45 minutes.
To make a vegan rogan josh, use a combination of vegetables and plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils. Substitute yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and ensure your spice mix and stock are vegan-friendly.
For a seafood rogan josh. substitute lamb with fish or prawns. Seafood cooks much faster than meat, a 10-15 minutes simmer should be suficient, so you may need to cook the sauce for a time before adding it to the pot.
Source
Lamb Rogan Josh is a beloved dish that hails from the beautiful region of Kashmir, India.
Food in Asia