Rogan Josh: A Classic Kashmiri Recipe

ROGAN JOSH

Ingredients

Lamb – approx. 2 lbs of cubed lamb shoulder which is an ideal cut to use as it is slightly-fatty and imparts great flavor
Yogurt – enough to coat the lamb
2 White Onions – diced
Garlic – 8 cloves crushed and diced
Fresh ginger – thumb sized piece peeled and grated
2 fresh red chillies – deseeded, chopped

Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
Fennel powder – 1 tsp
Tuermeric – 1 tsp
Red Chilli powder – 1 tsp
Dried red chillies – 3/4 pounded
Cardamom pods (black and green if possible) – 3/4 of each, lightly crushed
Cinnamon stick – 2 left whole
Turmeric powder – a small tsp of each
Cloves – 3/4 whole
Peppercorns – 1 tsp crushed
Garam masala – a generous tsp
Asafoetida or Hing (pictured) – a pinch is used as digestive aid. Comes in the form of a dried gum derived (available in your local ethnic food shop)
Salt and pepper – to taste

To serve – lots of fresh corriander leaves (cilantro) as a garnish and rice

Method

Mix the garlic, ginger in a large bowl and add the turmeric, black pepper and yoghurt. Add the lamb and turn until it is fully coated. Allow to sit in the fridge for up to 1 day.

In a heavy bottomed pan heat the mustard oil over a low to medium heat to allow it to temper, then add the cardamom pods, cinammon, cloves. Remove when toasted brown and grind in a pestle and mortar. Return to the pan with more oil if required. Fry the chopped onion until translucent and add the remaining spices; chillies, fennel and garam masala.

Now put the lamb in the pan and be sure to scrape in all the ginger, garlic, yogurt and spices. You can add a little water if necesary to help build up a stock for the lamb to cook in.

Sautee the lamb for 30 minutues on a lower heat, this is the bhuna process that allows the spices to be fully absorbed by the meat and the juices and fat from the meat to release. The meat now has to simmer for 1 – 3 hours with the lid on which will allow more juices from the meat to form.

Garnish with fresh corriander leaves.