Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Spices
A fragrant lamb curry simmered slowly with Kashmiri red chili, yogurt, and a blend of warming spices, delivering tender meat and a rich, aromatic sauce. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes, plain yogurt, Kashmiri red chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground fennel seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 4 green cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, and 4 whole cloves, frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely sliced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs cubed lamb shoulder and brown on all sides over medium-high heat, about 8 minutes.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium, stir in 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground fennel seeds, and 1.5 tsp salt, cooking the spices with the lamb for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Whisk 1 cup plain yogurt until smooth, then gradually add it to the pot, stirring to combine and prevent curdling.
- Step 7: Pour in 1 cup water, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lamb is very tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Just before serving, stir in 1 tsp garam masala, cook uncovered for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Spices 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 Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Spices?
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 plain yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Spices?
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 Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Spices?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer. The yogurt in the sauce makes it so smooth and the lamb is incredibly tender.
- ★★★★★
This is the most authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh I've ever made at home. The balance of spices and yogurt was perfect.
- ★★★★★
The lamb was so tender and the yogurt base made it incredibly rich. My husband and I are already planning to make it again for our anniversary!