Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices
An authentic Kashmiri curry featuring slow-simmered lamb with whole spices and yogurt, true to medieval Mughal cuisine. This indian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 130 minutes pairs cubed lamb shoulder, yogurt, finely chopped onion 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. 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 lb, cubed lamb shoulder
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2, finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1, grated tomato
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate lamb cubes with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 4 whole cardamom pods, 3 whole cloves, and 1-inch cinnamon stick, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 chopped onions and cook until golden brown (10 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 4: Stir in grated tomato, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1/4 tsp turmeric, cooking for 5 minutes until oil separates from the mixture.
- Step 5: Add marinated lamb with its marinade, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours until meat is fork-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Uncover, stir in 1 tsp garam masala, and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until sauce thickens. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (35 min prep + 95 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 Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole 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 cubed lamb shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole 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 Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole 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 Traditional Indian Rogan Josh with Whole Spices?
Indian slow cooker 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
