Mutton Rogan Josh: Traditional Kashmiri Recipe for Rich & Aromatic Flavours

When it comes to royal Indian curries, Mutton Rogan Josh holds a special place. This iconic dish, known for its deep red hue and soul-warming aroma, traces its roots to Kashmir. With layers of spices, slow-cooked mutton, and a rich, velvety gravy, Rogan Josh is a celebration of flavours.

In this guide, we'll take you through an authentic mutton rogan josh recipe, showing you how to recreate this masterpiece in your kitchen. You'll also learn the secrets behind the perfect rogan josh masala, the role of traditional ingredients, and modern tips for getting restaurant-style results.

What is Mutton Rogan Josh?

Mutton Rogan Josh is a traditional Kashmiri curry made with mutton (or lamb), aromatic spices, curd, and ghee. The name comes from two Persian words: 'Rogan' (oil) and 'Josh' (heat), referring to the oil-based, intensely flavoured, slow-cooked curry.

Unlike other spicy Indian curries, Rogan Josh is known for its balanced heat, deep colour from Kashmiri chillies, and distinct aroma from fennel, dry ginger, and saffron.

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Ingredients for Mutton Rogan Josh Recipe

• Mutton Curry Cut – 500 gms
• Mustard Oil – 25 ml
• Curd – 200 gms (whisked)
• Mutton Stock – 1 litre (for depth of flavour)
• Ghee – 30 gms
• Green Cardamom – 6-8 nos.
• Cloves – 10-12 nos.
• Fennel Powder – 1 tsp
• Dry Ginger Powder – 3 tsp
• Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder – 2 tsp
• Asafoetida (Hing) – 1 tsp
• Saffron – Few strands
• Ratanjog – 2 gms
• Salt – As required

Step-by-Step: How to Make Mutton Rogan Josh at Home

Step 1: Tempering the Oil & Searing the Mutton

• Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until it smokes (this reduces pungency).
• Add green cardamom and cloves, let them crackle to release aroma.
• Add mutton pieces and sear them well on high heat.
• Cover the pan and let the mutton cook in its own juices for 10 minutes.

Searing locks in juices and adds depth to the meat’s flavour, essential in a traditional Indian lamb curry.

Step 2: Preparing the Curd Masala Blend

In a separate bowl, mix:

• Whisked curd
• Fennel powder
• Dry ginger powder
• Kashmiri red chilli powder
• Asafoetida (hing)
• Crushed saffron strands

This blend is the heart of the rogan josh masala, providing both flavour and texture.

Step 3: Simmering the Mutton with Masala

• Add the curd-spice mixture to the seared mutton.
• Stir continuously to avoid curdling.
• Cook this masala with the mutton for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
• After this, pour in the mutton stock gradually.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

The slow simmering process is vital. Authentic Rogan Josh is never rushed—it’s all about patience.

Step 4: The Slow Cooking Magic

• Let the curry simmer on low heat for about 2 hours.
• Keep stirring occasionally and ensure the mutton is submerged.
• As the curry cooks, the gravy will thicken, and the mutton will become tender and juicy.

The long cooking time allows the mutton to absorb every nuance of the rogan josh masala, resulting in a rich, balanced flavour profile.

Step 5: Ratanjog Ghee Infusion (Traditional Colouring Technique)

• In a small pan, heat ghee and add the Ratanjog (alkanet root).
• Heat gently until the ghee takes on a bright red hue.
• Strain the coloured ghee through a sieve into the simmering curry.
• Cook for another 30 minutes to allow the colour and aroma to develop fully.

Ratanjog is a natural dye used in Kashmiri cooking to give Rogan Josh its signature red colour without artificial additives.

Step 6: Final Touches & Serving

• Adjust salt as needed.
• Garnish with a few saffron strands for an aromatic finish.
• Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavours to settle.

Serving Suggestions for Mutton Rogan Josh

• Serve hot with steamed basmati rice for a traditional pairing.
• Kashmiri roti, naan, or tandoori roti also complement well.
• Accompany with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh mint chutney.

In Kashmiri households, Rogan Josh is often part of the Wazwan, a royal feast featuring multiple mutton dishes.

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Pro Tips from TEDCO for Perfect Rogan Josh

• Use mustard oil for authenticity. Smoking it beforehand neutralises bitterness.
• Curd must be at room temperature and whisked well to avoid splitting.
• Kashmiri chilli powder gives colour, not heat—don’t substitute with regular chilli powder.
• Slow cooking is non-negotiable. Pressure cooking may save time but compromises depth.
• Ratanjog infusion is optional but recommended for colour authenticity.

At TEDCO School of Culinary Arts, we train students in mastering such regional classics while adapting techniques for home kitchens.

Final Thoughts

Mutton Rogan Josh is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural experience. Its deep, rich flavours, combined with the slow-cooked tenderness of mutton, make it a timeless classic of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting, aromatic curry, this mutton rogan josh recipe will never disappoint.

At Tedco Global Chefs Academy, we believe in preserving the authenticity of regional recipes while making them accessible to home cooks. With the right ingredients, patience, and technique, you can bring the royal taste of Kashmir straight to your dining table.

FAQs on Mutton Rogan Josh

Q1. Can I skip Ratanjog in Rogan Josh?
Ans: Yes, though it adds authentic colour, you can rely on Kashmiri red chilli powder for a rich hue. TEDCO teaches natural alternatives for colour without compromising taste.

Q2. What cut of mutton is best for Rogan Josh?
Ans: Bone-in pieces like shoulder or leg cuts are preferred. They add more flavour to the curry during slow cooking and stay tender.

Q3. Can I make Rogan Josh with lamb instead of goat meat?
Ans: Yes, lamb works well and cooks slightly faster. The traditional recipe remains the same, whether you use goat or lamb.

Q4. Why is Rogan Josh not overly spicy despite its red colour?
Ans: The deep red comes from Kashmiri chilli powder, which is mild. The dish is aromatic, rich, but not fiery, making it accessible to all palates.

Q5. Can I use ghee instead of mustard oil for cooking?
Ans: Mustard oil is traditional, but ghee can be used for a richer, slightly different taste. At TEDCO, students explore variations while maintaining authenticity.

Q6. What makes Rogan Josh different from other Indian mutton curries?
Ans: Unique ingredients like fennel, dry ginger, asafoetida, and saffron give it a distinct aroma and flavour, setting it apart from other spicy mutton gravies.

Q7. How do I get the perfect texture for the gravy?
Ans: Slow simmering is key. Avoid thickening agents. The curd and spices should reduce naturally with stock to create a rich, velvety consistency.

Q8. Can I cook Rogan Josh in a pressure cooker?
Ans: Though possible, pressure cooking alters the traditional texture and flavour development. For best results, slow cook as per the authentic method.