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.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 1 hour (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Total Time: 43 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.
- Now add the marinated lamb to the pot. Sear it for about 10 minutes until it is browned on all sides.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the Lamb Rogan Josh hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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.