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Lamb Rogan Josh with Yogurt and Aromatic Spices

Experience the rich flavors of Lamb Rogan Josh, a tender lamb dish simmered in a spiced yogurt sauce. This aromatic recipe brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900 g) lamb shoulder, cut into 1.5-inch (4 cm) cubes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tablespoon minced ginger and 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 2 medium onions, finely sliced
  • 3 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 2-inch (5 cm) cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water (or more for desired consistency)
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin with the marinade: In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Add the lamb cubes and mix well. Let the meat marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
  3. Add the green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.
  4. Now add the marinated lamb to the pot. Sear it for about 10 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
  5. Stir in the coriander powder, garam masala, and tomato paste. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the curry simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
  7. Once the lamb is soft and the sauce is thick, taste and adjust with salt. Let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes to intensify the flavors.
  8. Serve the Lamb Rogan Josh hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with rice or naan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marinate the lamb for longer for more tenderness. Use a heavy pot for even heat distribution. Adjust spice levels by varying the chili powder. Toasting spices before adding them can enhance their flavor. Prepare a day in advance for better taste.