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    Home >> Indian

    Spicy Lamb Stew: Rogan Josh

    Modified: Jun 3, 2022 · Published: Apr 7, 2020 by Analida · • Word count:1274 words. • About 7 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

    266 shares
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    Try this fantastic dish from Kashmir that has its origins from Persia. Spicy and rich rogan josh is an easy Indian dish to prepare in your dutch oven or slow cooker. The mixture of spices is what gives this amazing spicy lamb stew its deep, rich, and aromatic taste. I used my homemade garam masala as well as other spices. You will want to have lots of naan bread for dipping into this tasty sauce. If you like curry dishes you will love this dish. #lamb #roganjosh #curry #garammasala #indian #indianfood #spicy | ethnicspoon.com

    One of the specialties of Kashmir, a northern region in India, is a rich and hearty spicy lamb stew: rogan josh. This delicious Persian dish has a spicy and aromatic curry sauce.

    a heaping white bowl of rogan josh with a chunk of naan on a saucer
    The name rogan josh comes from two Persian words: rogan which means oil and josh: heat. Some linguists debate on the origin of these words believe the word rogan is closer to the term "rouge" (red in French), or rojo (red in Spanish). Both assumptions make perfect sense to me given its reddish color.

    a red dutch oven of rogan josh with a spoon

    Lamb rogan josh is an aromatic symphony

    The mixture of spices is what gives this amazing spicy lamb stew, rogan josh, its deep, rich,  and aromatic taste. I used my home made garam masala, as well as other aromatic spices. I bought cardamom pods at a local health food market at a reasonable price. If you can't find the pods, you can use ground cardamom. Add with caution because it has a very strong taste.

    a close up of a dutch oven with lamb stew rogan josh

    The original Rogan josh recipe was borrowed by the Mughals from the Persians. The Mughals were the conquering forced that ruled India from about 1526-1853. Their power base was located in the center of India. At the peak of summer heat, the Mughals escaped to cooler Kashmir. Until today rogan josh is the most important dish of this region.

    Rogan josh is normally uses lamb. You can use beef as a substitute.  I like to serve rogan josh with basmati rice, and naan bread. A side of plain yogurt is not a bad idea to cut down the heat of the dish.

    a bowl of lamb stew with naan dipping in and naan on the saucer

    Step by step photos to make rogan josh:

    A collage of photos showing the ingredients and steps to make lamb rogan josh in a red pan on a stove.

    1. Gather all your ingredients together and have then measured, chopped and ready to go.
    2. In a small bowl or mortar mash together the minced ginger, garlic with 2 Tbsp of water to make a paste and set aside. (You can mash with a fork also.)
    3. Place the peppercorns, cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon stick in a piece of cheese cloth and tie with butcher's twine. Set this aromatic bouquet aside for later.
    4. Mix together the cumin, garam masala, coriander powder, cayenne and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
    5. Heat the oil on medium in a pot or large braising pan. Once hot add the lamb cubes and brown on all sides turning frequently. Add the minced shallots and ginger paste. Cook until the shallots are translucent.
    6. Sprinkle with the spice mixture and salt.
    7. Add the tomato paste and stir in.
    8. Pour in the water then bring to a boil.
    9. While coming to a boil submerge the aromatic bouquet and bay leaves then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook covered for 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender.
    10. Serve with fresh chopped tomato and cilantro along with rice or naan bread. Enjoy! ( Remove the aromatic bouquet and bay leaves before serving.)

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • How long can I save the rogan josh? Once it has completely cooled, you can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
    • Can I freeze this rogan josh? Yes, you must completely cool the rogan josh before freezing. Store in airtight containers for up to 4-6 months. For single servings, freeze portions in a muffin tin and pop out the frozen rounds and store in freezer bags.
    • How do I reheat the rogan josh? Reheat the rogan josh in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to stir every 30-45 seconds until hot. Once reheated do not cool and store again in the refrigerator, consume it right away. So only reheat the amount you will consume.
    • Can I make this in the slow cooker? Sure, you can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker then stir it really well to combine the spices and sauce. Set the slow cooker on high for 4-6 hours. Check the lamb to see if it is fork tender and then it is done.

    If you love spicy Indian foods or recipes with curry you can make at home, here are some easy ones to try:

    Spicy chicken xacuti comes from the Goa region in the southwest coast of India and it's spicy and sweet with coconut milk.

    Here is a vegan recipe for tofu with sweet potatoes and other vegetables in a spicy curry tomato sauce.

    One recipe you must try is the classic Punjabi dish of chicken tikka masala and this dish has a really interesting food history too.

    If you are having an appetizer party you can try these kofta kari or spicy lamb meatballs with a tomato sauce and ground cashews.

    Looking for more recipes?  
    Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week!  You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook

    Try this fantastic dish from Kashmir that has its origins from Persia. Spicy and rich rogan josh is an easy Indian dish to prepare in your dutch oven or slow cooker. The mixture of spices is what gives this amazing spicy lamb stew its deep, rich, and aromatic taste. I used my homemade garam masala as well as other spices. If you like curry dishes you will love this dish. | ethnicspoon.com

    Spicy Lamb Stew: Rogan Josh

    A spicy, aromatic, and hearty lamb stew from the Kashmir region India and is of Persian origin. Rogan Josh is infused with the flavors of cardamom, ginger, garam masala, cloves, and cayenne pepper. A perfect dish for any occasion.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: easy stew, slow cook
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 374kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    Ginger Paste:

    • 2 Tbsp. ginger fresh, minced
    • 2 Tbsp. water
    • 2 cloves garlic crushed

    Aromatic Bouquet:

    • 12 peppercorns
    • 6 pods cardamom
    • 4 cloves
    • 1 stick cinnamon

    Spice Mixture:

    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1 tsp. garam masala
    • 1 tsp. coriander powder
    • ½ tsp. cayenne
    • ⅛ tsp. cinnamon

    Other Ingredients:

    • 2 lbs. lamb cubed (optional: beef cubes or stew beef)
    • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
    • 2 shallots minced
    • 1 tsp. Kosher salt
    • 2 cups water
    • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
    • 2 bay leaves

    Optional: Cilantro and fresh chopped tomatoes for garnish.

    Instructions

    Make the ginger paste:

    • In a small bowl mash together the ginger, water, and garlic to create a thick paste. You can mash it with a fork or a mortar and pestle work well also.

    Prepare the spices:

    • Place cardamom pods, peppercorns, cloves and cinnamon stick in a piece of cheesecloth and tie tightly with twine. This aromatic bouquet will be added to the cooking pan later.
    • In another small bowl, prepare the spice mixture by mixing together cumin, garam masala, coriander, cayenne and cinnamon.

    Prepare the lamb:

    • Heat oil on medium in a large pot or braising pan. Add in the lamb cubes turning over to brown on all sides. Add the shallots and ginger paste then cook until the shallots are translucent. Sprinkle with salt and the spice mixture.
    • Mix the tomato paste and then the water until well blended into the pan. Add the aromatic bouquet, and the bay leaves.
    • Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for approximately 30 minutes until the lamb is quite tender.
    • Remove the cheese cloth with the spices before serving. Garnish with tomato, cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.

    Notes

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • How long can I save the rogan josh? Once it has completely cooled, you can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
    • Can I freeze this rogan josh? Yes, you must completely cool the rogan josh before freezing. Store in airtight containers for up to 4-6 months. For single servings, freeze portions in a muffin tin and pop out the frozen rounds and store in freezer bags.
    • How do I reheat the rogan josh? Reheat the rogan josh in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and stop to stir every 30-45 seconds until hot. Once reheated do not cool and store again in the refrigerator, consume it right away. So only reheat the amount you will consume.
    • Can I make this in the slow cooker? Sure, you can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker then stir it really well to combine the spices and sauce. Set the slow cooker on high for 4-6 hours. Check the lamb to see if it is fork tender and then it is done.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 342mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 5.6mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2.8mg

     

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    266 shares
    • 18

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Agness of Run Agness Run

      November 21, 2017 at 9:18 am

      Such a great dish idea which I am sure my family will love, Analinda. Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh one?

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 22, 2017 at 3:30 pm

        Hi Agnes. Yes, you can use ground ginger, just make sure you use less then. The rule is 1/3 the amount when using ground spices.

        Reply
    2. Sarah

      November 27, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      I'd love to travel to India and try the food there myself! This looks fabulous!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 27, 2017 at 6:40 pm

        Sarah, I think you will like this recipe. I would love to go to India as well.

        Reply
    3. Elaine @ Dishes Delish

      November 27, 2017 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      I love lamb so much!! Your photos are awesome and your recipe looks so fabulous!! I can't wait to make you lamb stew!!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 28, 2017 at 4:22 pm

        Thanks for your kinds words Elaine. I hope you make my Rogan Josh soon. Let me know how you like it.

        Reply
    4. Ben Myhre

      November 28, 2017 at 8:17 am

      This looks really good. I don't work with lamb nearly enough.

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 28, 2017 at 4:25 pm

        Ben, if you like lamb you will love this recipe for Rogan Josh. Let me know how you like it when you have a chance to make it.

        Reply
    5. Denise Wright

      November 28, 2017 at 8:59 am

      This is one of my favorite dishes to get when we go out to eat....now I've got to make it! Great post!

      Reply
      • Analida

        November 28, 2017 at 4:25 pm

        Hi Denise. Yes, you MUST make Rogan Josh. Let me know how it turns out.

        Reply
    6. Leslie

      December 01, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Stew is on constant rotation in my house during the winter - going to add this recipe to our list!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 02, 2017 at 10:04 am

        So glad to hear this Leslie! My family also loves stews during the winter months. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Patti

      December 02, 2017 at 2:40 am

      I am trying to prepare more lamb for my family in order to provide a more varied diet. I love all the flavors going on in this dish. I can't wait to try it. This sounds like the perfect dish for warm weather.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 02, 2017 at 10:05 am

        Hi Patti! When you make it let me know how you like it. I am also a HUGE fan of the flavors of Indian food.

        Reply
    8. Helene

      December 02, 2017 at 8:29 am

      Rogan Josh is one of those dishes that I could eat anytime again and again! I love it when the lamb is melting in the mouth and mixing with the curry flavors. Your Rogan Josh looks absolutely perfect and I would have it with a few plain chapatis!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 02, 2017 at 10:06 am

        Isn't Rogan Josh awesome? Thanks for your kind comment. Yes, chapatis would be awesome; I need to learn to make them. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Anne Murphy

      December 02, 2017 at 10:53 pm

      That does sound delicious. I've been living in walking distance of a whole neighborhood of Indian restaurants, but I'm about to move, so I'll add this recipe to my collection of Indian Food I can Cook Myself!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 03, 2017 at 8:53 pm

        Anne! I think you will like this recipe. We only have two Indian restaurants in my town, I tried the Rogan Josh at one of them and had to figure out how to make it at home.

        Reply
    10. Karyl | Karyl's Kulinary Krusade

      December 03, 2017 at 5:45 pm

      Oh I love lamb! It's such an under-used meat, which is crazy because it's so delicious. I love spicy food, and this lamb stew looks fabulous. I'm definitely going to give this a try

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 03, 2017 at 8:54 pm

        Yes, lamb is underused indeed. We love it at home. I wish it wasn't as expensive, or I would use it a lot more. Let me know how you like it when you make it. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Lynette

      December 04, 2017 at 8:17 am

      This hearty soup looks perfect for a chilly day!

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 04, 2017 at 4:41 pm

        Thanks Lynette, yes it does!:)

        Reply
    12. Jessica Pinney

      December 04, 2017 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      My wife and I were just talking about how we should make some stew. I think we're going to try your recipe! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 04, 2017 at 8:43 pm

        I hope you like it Jessica! Let me know how it turns out. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Tina

      December 04, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      Your curries always look so delicious! I love Rogan Josh, it's one of my favorite new dishes this year, yummy:)

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 05, 2017 at 1:26 pm

        Thanks Tina! I am glad to hear that you like Rogan Josh. I hope you get to try it soon. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Florence

      August 11, 2020 at 2:27 am

      Wow I made this, it was absolutely delicious.
      Will continue making this in the future. Reminded me of my trips to India

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 17, 2020 at 2:29 pm

        Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the recipe!

        Reply

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