Mutton Rogan Josh (Kashmiri) Recipe

 

Mutton Rogan Josh is a rich, aromatic curry from Kashmir, known for its vibrant color and deep flavor. It’s traditionally made with tender mutton pieces cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with a special blend of spices, including Kashmiri red chili, which gives the dish its characteristic color and flavor. Rogan Josh is best enjoyed with steamed rice or naan.

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Ingredients

For the Mutton:

• 500g mutton (bone-in pieces)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp yogurt (preferably fresh)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or ghee)

For the Rogan Josh Gravy:

• 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1-2 black cardamom pods
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or regular red chili powder if unavailable)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp fennel powder (optional, but adds a unique Kashmiri flavor)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (whisked)
• 2 cups water (adjust for gravy consistency)
• 1 tbsp ginger powder (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Mutton:

1. In a large bowl, marinate the mutton pieces with turmeric powder, salt, yogurt, and ginger-garlic paste.
2. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

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2. Prepare the Gravy:

1. Heat ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker over medium heat.
2. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This caramelization is key to a rich flavor.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil begins to separate from the masala.

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3. Add Spices and Yogurt:

1. Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, and fennel powder. Cook the spices for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
2. Add the whisked yogurt and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring until the yogurt blends into the gravy.

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4. Cook the Mutton:

1. Add the marinated mutton pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the mutton with the spices and yogurt mixture.
2. Cook on medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the mutton browns slightly.
3. Add water to the curry and bring it to a boil.
4. If using a pressure cooker, cover and cook for 3–4 whistles (about 20–25 minutes). If cooking in a regular pan, cover and simmer the curry for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the mutton is tender.

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5. Finish and Garnish:

1. Once the mutton is cooked and the gravy has thickened, check for seasoning and adjust salt and spice levels.
2. Sprinkle ginger powder (optional) for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

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Serving Suggestions

• Best with: Steamed basmati rice, naan, roti, or pulao.
• You can serve with a side of raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Tips for the Perfect Mutton Rogan Josh

1. Tender Mutton: The key to a good Rogan Josh is tender mutton. Marinate the mutton well and cook it until it’s tender and the flavors have melded together.
2. Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: It gives the curry a distinct color and flavor. If you can't find it, use regular red chili powder, but be aware that it won’t give the same vibrant color.
3. Cooking Slow: Rogan Josh benefits from slow cooking, which allows the meat to absorb all the rich spices.
4. Ghee for Authentic Flavor: Ghee gives the curry a rich, authentic flavor, but if you prefer, you can use oil instead.
5. Balancing Spices: Rogan Josh has a delicate balance of spices, so make sure not to overpower it with too much heat. The yogurt and fennel powder provide the dish with a unique richness and complexity.

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Enjoy the luxurious and aromatic Mutton Rogan Josh, a traditional Kashmiri dish that will transport your taste buds to the serene valleys of Kashmir! 🍛🍖