Savor the Spice: Kashmiri Rogan Josh
Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Kashmir with this delightful Rogan Josh. This beloved lamb curry is a celebration of spices, featuring a blend of robust ingredients that come together to create a sumptuous dish that is perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. The secret to its depth lies in the marination process and the patience to allow the flavors to develop overnight. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan for a truly satisfying meal that your friends and family will request time and again. Ideal for making ahead, this recipe is a perfect tribute to love, tradition, and culinary magic.
6
Servings
367
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried red chilies
3 (seeded)
ground blanched almonds
2 tablespoons (toasted)
ground coriander
1 tablespoon (toasted)
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted)
white poppy seeds
1 teaspoon (toasted)
garlic cloves
3 (roughly chopped)
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (chopped)
large onions
2 (finely chopped)
saffron strands
1/4 teaspoon (toasted and crushed)
ghee or oil
4 tablespoons (for cooking)
cardamom pods
4 (bruised)
ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
plain yogurt
1/2 cup
large ripe tomatoes
2 (peeled and chopped)
Kashmiri garam masala
3 teaspoons (for seasoning)
salt
to taste
lean lamb
750 g (cut into large cubes)
coriander leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preparation of Spice Paste: Start by soaking the dried red chilies in hot water for about 5 minutes until softened. While the chilies are soaking, dry toast the ground blanched almonds, ground coriander, cumin seeds, and white poppy seeds in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they become fragrant and slightly browned. In a food processor, combine the soaked chilies, toasted spice mixture, garlic cloves, chopped ginger, and finely chopped onions. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste, adding a little of the chili soaking water as needed to facilitate blending.
2
Saffron Infusion: Gently dry toast the saffron strands in a small pan over low heat. Once aromatic, crush them slightly with the back of a spoon. Dissolve with 2 tablespoons of boiling water and mix it into the prepared spice paste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Cooking the Curry: Heat the ghee in a large, heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the bruised cardamom pods and turmeric, sautéing for a minute before adding the spice paste. Stir the mixture continuously for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring the ghee begins to separate from the paste, indicating that the spices are well-cooked.
4
Incorporate Yogurt: Gradually stir in the plain yogurt, one spoonful at a time, ensuring it incorporates smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
5
Add Tomatoes and Final Spices: Once the yogurt is well-mixed, add the peeled and chopped tomatoes, kashmiri garam masala, and salt, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. The tomatoes should begin to break down and meld into the sauce.
6
Cook Lamb: Add the lamb cubes, stirring vigorously over high heat to coat them well in the spice mixture. Once evenly coated, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The lamb should become tender and succulent, with the spices beautifully infused.
7
Serving: Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped coriander leaves, and pair with basmati rice or warm naan.
Nutrition Information
25 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
22 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savor the Spice: Kashmiri Rogan Josh?
It is a traditional, aromatic lamb curry from the Kashmir region of India, known for its rich blend of spices and tender meat.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 750 grams of lean lamb cut into large cubes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Kashmiri Rogan Josh recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories, 25g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 22g of protein.
How long does the lamb need to cook?
The lamb should simmer covered on the lowest heat setting for about 1 hour until it becomes tender and succulent.
How do I prepare the dried red chilies?
The chilies should be seeded and then soaked in hot water for about 5 minutes until they are softened before blending.
What is the purpose of ground blanched almonds in this dish?
The almonds are toasted and blended into the spice paste to provide a rich texture and help thicken the curry sauce.
Why should I toast the spices before blending?
Toasting the coriander, cumin, and poppy seeds over low heat makes them fragrant and enhances their natural oils for a deeper flavor.
Can I substitute ghee with another ingredient?
Yes, if you do not have ghee, you can use 4 tablespoons of oil for cooking the spice paste.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?
Gradually stir in the plain yogurt one spoonful at a time, ensuring it incorporates smoothly into the sauce.
What is the secret to a deep flavor in Rogan Josh?
The secret lies in the patience of allowing the lamb to simmer slowly and the option to let the flavors develop overnight.
How do I prepare the saffron for this recipe?
Dry toast the saffron strands, crush them slightly, and dissolve them in 2 tablespoons of boiling water before adding to the paste.
What does it mean to bruise the cardamom pods?
Bruising means lightly crushing the pods to crack the skin, which allows the aromatic seeds inside to release their flavor into the oil.
What is the best way to serve Kashmiri Rogan Josh?
It is traditionally served hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.
How do I know when the spice paste is cooked?
The paste is ready when the ghee begins to separate from the mixture, usually after 8 to 10 minutes of stirring.
Are the tomatoes used fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 2 large ripe tomatoes that should be peeled and chopped.
What garnish is recommended?
Garnish the final dish with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped coriander leaves.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for making ahead as the spices continue to meld and the flavor improves after resting.
What spices are included in the toasted mixture?
The mixture includes ground blanched almonds, ground coriander, cumin seeds, and white poppy seeds.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its rich presentation and aromatic profile make it a perfect dish for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Does this recipe contain garlic and ginger?
Yes, it uses 3 garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger blended into the spice paste.
How much Kashmiri garam masala is needed?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of Kashmiri garam masala for seasoning.
Are onions used in this curry?
Yes, 2 large onions are finely chopped and blended into the spice paste for the base of the sauce.
What is the function of white poppy seeds?
White poppy seeds act as a thickener and add a unique nutty flavor to the Kashmiri sauce.
Can I use chicken instead of lamb?
While traditional Rogan Josh uses lamb, you can use chicken, though the cooking time will be significantly shorter.
Is there any sugar in this Rogan Josh?
No, this specific recipe does not contain any added sugar.
How much ground turmeric is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
Do I need a food processor?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the chilies, toasted spices, garlic, ginger, and onions into a smooth paste.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 22 grams of protein.
What is the texture of the lamb after cooking?
After simmering for an hour, the lamb should be tender, succulent, and infused with the spice mixture.