Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe – Authentic Kashmiri Mutton & Spice Blend

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe – Authentic Kashmiri Mutton & Spice Blend

Hello friends! If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing the rich, aromatic flavors of Kashmir to your kitchen, you’re in the right place. Rogan Josh is the iconic Kashmiri dish – a deeply flavorful mutton curry, known for its vibrant red color and tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. I remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s place; the aroma alone was intoxicating! It’s a bit of a project, yes, but trust me, the results are absolutely worth it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any mutton curry. Rogan Josh is a celebration of spices, a slow-cooked masterpiece that develops incredible depth of flavor. You’ll love it because:

• It’s incredibly flavorful – the blend of Kashmiri spices is truly unique.
• The mutton becomes unbelievably tender.
• It’s a showstopper dish, perfect for special occasions.
• It’s a taste of Kashmiri culture in your own home.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary magic:

• 1 kg mutton, cubed and washed
• 1.5 cups thick yogurt
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder (Kashmiri chili powder preferred)
• 1.25 tablespoons coriander powder
• 0.75 teaspoon cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1.5 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1.5 tablespoons oil
• 1.5 tablespoons ghee
• 4 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 5-6 green chilies, slit
• 0.75 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1.5 tablespoons poppy seeds, roasted and soaked
• 4 tablespoons fresh coconut, grated
• 4 cashew nuts, soaked (optional)
• Chopped coriander leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make a difference in your Rogan Josh:

• Kashmiri Chilies: These aren’t about heat, they’re about color. They give Rogan Josh its signature vibrant red hue. If you can’t find them, use a mix of regular chili powder and paprika for color.
• Yogurt: Full-fat, thick yogurt is key. It tenderizes the mutton and adds a lovely tang. Don’t skip this!
• Spice Blend: The combination of coriander, cumin, and turmeric is classic, but feel free to adjust to your liking. A little bit of fennel powder can also be a lovely addition.
• Ghee vs. Oil: Ghee adds a richness and aroma that oil just can’t match. But if you prefer, you can use all oil.
• Regional Variations: Spice levels vary across Kashmir. Some families like it mild, others fiery! Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder to your preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, marinate the mutton. In a large bowl, combine the mutton with yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and half of the ginger-garlic paste. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30-40 minutes. This is where the magic starts!
2. Now, let’s build the base. Heat oil and ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot (a Dutch oven works perfectly). Add cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onions and fry until they turn translucent and golden brown. This takes patience, but it’s worth it! Stir in the slit green chilies and the remaining ginger-garlic paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Time for the tomatoes! Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down. Then, add the marinated mutton. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the moisture evaporates. This step is crucial for developing that rich, deep flavor.
5. While the mutton is cooking, grind the soaked poppy seeds, coconut, and cashews (if using) into a smooth paste. Add this paste to the mutton, along with salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the mutton is incredibly tender and the gravy has thickened. This will take about 60-90 minutes, depending on the quality of the mutton.
7. Finally, stir in the garam masala powder and garnish with fresh, chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Low and Slow: The key to tender mutton is slow cooking. Don’t rush this process!
• Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Marination: It tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the salt and spices to your liking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based yogurt (soy or cashew yogurt work well) and substitute the ghee with vegetable oil. You can also add some smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustments: Add more or fewer green chilies and red chili powder to control the heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
• Festival Adaptations: Rogan Josh is often made for special occasions like Eid and Diwali. My family always makes a larger batch for these celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

Rogan Josh is traditionally served with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. A side of raita (yogurt dip) and a simple salad complements the richness of the curry beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Rogan Josh can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What cut of mutton is best for Rogan Josh? Shoulder or leg of mutton are ideal, as they become incredibly tender with slow cooking.
• Can I make Rogan Josh in an Instant Pot? Yes! Reduce the cooking time to about 45-60 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.
• What is the significance of the color in Rogan Josh? The vibrant red color is a hallmark of the dish, traditionally achieved using Kashmiri chilies. It’s visually appealing and adds to the overall experience.
• How can I adjust the heat level of this dish? Control the amount of green chilies and red chili powder. Removing the seeds from the green chilies will also reduce the heat.
• Can I freeze Rogan Josh? How does it affect the texture? Yes, you can! The texture might change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will remain excellent. It might be a little softer, but still delicious.

Enjoy making this incredible Rogan Josh! I hope it brings a little bit of Kashmiri warmth to your table. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!