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Flavorful Lamb Rogan Josh Recipe Easy Homemade Kashmiri Chili Curry

lamb rogan josh recipe - featured image

A rich and aromatic lamb rogan josh curry featuring tender lamb slow-cooked with Kashmiri chili powder and warm spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) lamb shoulder or leg, cubed
  • 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
  • 2 large onions, finely sliced
  • 2 tsp garlic paste
  • 2 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat yogurt, whisked
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato puree
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 2-inch cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp fennel powder (optional)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste (start with 1.5 tsp)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 to 1.5 cups (240 to 360 ml) water or lamb stock

Instructions

  1. Pat the lamb cubes dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture and set aside.
  2. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 15-18 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic and ginger paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  6. Add Kashmiri chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fennel powder; cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Increase heat to medium-high, add lamb cubes, and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Stir in tomato puree and cook for 3-4 minutes until oil starts to separate.
  9. Slowly stir in whisked yogurt, mixing well to avoid curdling; cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
  10. Pour in water or lamb stock to partially cover the meat and bring to a boil.
  11. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.
  12. Add salt to taste, remove whole spices if preferred, and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Take your time caramelizing onions for a rich base. Use Kashmiri chili powder for authentic color and mild heat. Brown the lamb well to lock in flavor. Temper yogurt by adding it slowly to avoid curdling. Simmer low and slow for tender meat and deep flavors. Adjust liquid gradually to avoid a soupy or burnt sauce. Pressure cooking for 30 minutes on high can speed up the process without sacrificing tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb rogan josh, Kashmiri chili curry, lamb curry, Indian curry, slow-cooked lamb, easy lamb recipe, homemade rogan josh