Slow-Simmered Rogan Josh Lamb Curry with Kashmiri Chilies
A richly spiced lamb curry infused with aromatic Kashmiri chilies and warming spices, slowly simmered to tender perfection. This indian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs tablespoons Kashmiri red chili powder, plain yogurt, tablespoon ginger paste 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 pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 large (about 8 ounces) onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 whole green cardamom pods
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 4 green cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and 2 bay leaves, frying gently for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 large finely sliced onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger paste and 1 tablespoon garlic paste, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Step 4: Lower the heat and whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1.5 teaspoons salt. Add this spice-yogurt mixture to the pot, stirring carefully to combine and cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Add 1.5 pounds lamb shoulder cubes to the pot, stirring to coat with the spice mixture. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes until the lamb starts to brown.
- Step 6: Pour in 1 cup water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the lamb is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Remove whole spices and bay leaves. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving hot with steamed rice or naan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Rogan Josh Lamb Curry with Kashmiri Chilies 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 Rogan Josh Lamb Curry with Kashmiri Chilies?
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 Rogan Josh Lamb Curry with Kashmiri Chilies?
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 Rogan Josh Lamb Curry with Kashmiri Chilies 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 Rogan Josh Lamb Curry with Kashmiri Chilies?
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.