Slow-Simmered Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Aromatic Spices
A fragrant lamb curry simmered slowly in a rich blend of Kashmiri spices and yogurt, delivering a warm, comforting dish with vibrant color and deep flavor. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs plain yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp garlic paste
- 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp dry ginger powder
- a pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 large (about 150g) onion, finely sliced
- 6 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 6 green cardamom pods, 4 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 bay leaves; sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1 large finely sliced onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp garlic paste, a pinch of asafoetida, 1 tsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp dry ginger powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices release their fragrance.
- Step 4: Add 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder cubes and 1.5 tsp salt. Sear the lamb for 5 minutes, stirring to coat the pieces evenly with the spice mixture.
- Step 5: Lower the heat and whisk in 1 cup plain yogurt gradually, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Cook for 3 minutes until the yogurt blends into a thick gravy.
- Step 6: Pour in 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Aromatic 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-Simmered Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Aromatic 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-Simmered Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Aromatic 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-Simmered Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Aromatic 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-Simmered Kashmiri Rogan Josh with Aromatic 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
- ★★★★★
Best Kashmiri dish I've ever made at home.
- ★★★★★
So aromatic and tender! Will make again.
- ★★★★★
Made this for a special dinner, everyone raved about the flavor.