Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Saffron Carrots

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and rich lamb curry simmered slowly with Kashmiri spices, paired with subtly sweet saffron-infused carrots. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs bone-in lamb shoulder, mustard oil, large onion, finely sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 large finely sliced onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp fennel powder. Cook spice mix for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 lbs bone-in lamb shoulder pieces, searing for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium, stir in 1/2 cup whisked yogurt and 1.5 tsp salt, mixing thoroughly to coat the lamb.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 2 cups water, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Meanwhile, soak 1/4 tsp saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm water for 10 minutes.
  8. Step 8: In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add 4 medium peeled carrots cut into 2-inch sticks and 1 tsp sugar. Sauté carrots for 10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm.
  9. Step 9: Stir in saffron water with carrots, cook for another 2 minutes until carrots are infused with saffron aroma.
  10. Step 10: Garnish lamb rogan josh with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve hot alongside the saffron carrots.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Saffron Carrots take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Saffron Carrots?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Saffron Carrots?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Saffron Carrots for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh with Saffron Carrots?

Indian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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