Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Spices
A tender lamb curry braised slowly with Kashmiri red chili, yogurt, and warming whole spices for a deeply flavorful, rich stew. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 125 minutes pairs grams lamb shoulder, cubed, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 800 grams lamb shoulder, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 medium onion, finely sliced
- 4 tbsp mustard oil
- 2 (2-inch each) cinnamon sticks
- 6 green cardamom pods
- 6 cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 800 grams cubed lamb shoulder with 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, and 1 tablespoon garlic paste. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tablespoons mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 green cardamom pods, 6 cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida, frying for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium finely sliced onions and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 4: Add the marinated lamb along with all the marinade, stirring well to combine. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes until the lamb browns slightly.
- Step 5: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 30 minutes until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, adjusting water if necessary to maintain a thick curry consistency.
- Step 7: Garnish with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving hot with steamed rice or naan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Spices take to make?
Total time is about 125 minutes (15 min prep + 110 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 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 grams lamb shoulder, cubed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri 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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Spices 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 Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri 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
- ★★★★★
The depth of flavor from the Kashmiri spices was incredible. Served with basmati rice and naan, it was a hit with my whole family.
- ★★★★★
This was absolutely divine! The lamb was so tender and the Kashmiri spices perfect for a special dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a cozy night in, though the lamb was slightly chewy. I'll adjust the cooking time next batch.