Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
Tender lamb pieces simmered in a fragrant sauce of Kashmiri red chili, yogurt, and warming spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs plain yogurt, Kashmiri red chili powder, vegetable oil 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups water
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 4 green cardamom pods, 4 cloves, and 1 bay leaf, sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1 large finely sliced onion and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Mix in 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground fennel seeds, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium-low and add 1 cup plain yogurt slowly while stirring to prevent curdling.
- Step 6: Add 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder cubes and salt to taste; stir well to coat the meat with the spice and yogurt mixture.
- Step 7: Pour in 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Adjust seasoning, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving hot with steamed rice or naan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt 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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt?
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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt?
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 Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt 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 Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt?
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.
