Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Almonds

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

Tender lamb simmered in a rich tomato and yogurt sauce with cardamom and ground almonds for a fragrant, velvety finish. This indian ready in about 175 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, plain yogurt, tomato puree for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 130 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from lamb and cut into 2cm cubes. In a bowl, mix yogurt with 1 tsp ground coriander and 1 tsp ground cumin, then coat lamb pieces evenly. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat ghee in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add minced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add grated ginger and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated lamb and cook for 5 minutes, stirring to sear all sides. Stir in tomato puree, cardamom pods, and remaining spices, then add water. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: While lamb cooks, soak almonds in hot water for 15 minutes, then blend into a smooth paste. Add almond paste to the pot, stirring until fully incorporated. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove cardamom pods. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 175 minutes (45 min prep + 130 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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Almonds?

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 lamb shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Almonds?

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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Almonds 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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Almonds?

Indian indian 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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