Kashmiri Rogan Josh Recipe – Mutton in Red Curry
Kashmiri Rogan Josh is a fragrant, flavorful, and rich mutton curry that originates from the Kashmiri region of India. Known for its vibrant red color and delicate blend of spices, this dish is a perfect weekend meal. The slow-cooked mutton absorbs the aromatic spices and yogurt, creating a dish that’s tender, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Whether paired with steamed rice or rumali rotis, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Kashmir with every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton (with bones) | 500 grams |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Salt | As required |
| Mustard oil | As required |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 4 pods |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Ratan Jot (Alkanet) | 1/2 inch (infuse in heated oil) |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 120 Minutes
Total Time: 130 Minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Course: Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mutton
Begin by thoroughly washing the mutton pieces and draining the excess water. This ensures that no impurities remain before marinating the meat. -
-
Marinate the Mutton
In a large bowl, add the mutton along with salt, yogurt, Kashmiri red chilli powder, fennel powder, and the other listed spices for marination. Mix well, ensuring the spices coat the meat evenly. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 1.5 hours. For the best flavor, marinate the mutton for longer if you can. -
Cook the Mutton
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed wok or pan. Once the oil is hot, add the bay leaf, black cardamom, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, and cinnamon powder. Let the whole spices infuse the oil for a few seconds until they release their aromatic oils. -
Add the Marinated Mutton
Carefully add the marinated mutton to the pan. Stir well to ensure that the meat is coated with the spices. Fry the mutton on medium to high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to brown and the spices start to release their fragrance. -
Add Asafoetida and Water
Add the asafoetida (hing) to the mutton and stir it in. Pour in about 1 cup of water to help cook the mutton and create the curry sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let the mutton simmer on low heat. Cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the mutton becomes tender and absorbs the spices. -
Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
While the mutton is cooking, whisk the yogurt in a separate bowl and mix in the remaining Kashmiri red chilli powder and fennel powder. This mixture will add creaminess and a tangy flavor to the curry. -
Incorporate the Yogurt Mixture
After the mutton has softened, remove the lid and carefully add the whisked yogurt mixture to the pan. Stir well, ensuring the yogurt blends into the curry and coats the mutton evenly. Adjust salt as needed at this stage. -
Infuse the Ratan Jot
In a separate small pan, heat a little mustard oil and add the ratan jot (alkanet) root. Let it infuse into the oil for a few seconds before adding this infused oil to the mutton. This step will impart the signature red color and distinct flavor to the curry. -
Final Cooking and Garnishing
Continue to cook the mutton on low heat for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The mutton should be fork-tender and the curry should be thick and flavorful. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. -
Serve
Kashmiri Rogan Josh is best served hot with steamed basmati rice or rumali rotis. The aromatic flavors and tender mutton will surely be a hit at your dinner table.
Tips for the Perfect Rogan Josh:
- Slow Cooking: The key to tender mutton in Rogan Josh is slow cooking. Make sure to cook the mutton on low heat to allow it to become tender and flavorful.
- Ratan Jot Infusion: Ratan Jot is essential for the vibrant red color in this dish. If you can’t find it, you can use a pinch of Kashmiri red chili powder for the color, but it will alter the authentic flavor slightly.
- Yogurt: The yogurt in this recipe provides creaminess and helps balance the heat of the spices. Make sure to whisk it thoroughly before adding it to avoid curdling.
Enjoy this Kashmiri Rogan Josh recipe for a delicious, comforting meal that brings the rich flavors of Kashmir into your home!
