Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt is a rich and aromatic dish that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Kashmir. This slow-cooked masterpiece is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, showcasing tender lamb simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and creamy yogurt. With its beautiful red color from the Kashmiri chili, this dish not only tastes divine but also impresses with its vibrant presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal hands-on cooking time. Just let your slow cooker do the work!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Kashmiri chili and spices creates a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with rice, naan, or even as a filling for wraps. It suits any occasion!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and spices known for their health benefits, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Impressive Presentation: The stunning color and aroma make it perfect for entertaining guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Perfect for achieving tender meat through low and slow cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting lamb into manageable chunks quickly.
- Mixing bowl: Use it to combine ingredients like yogurt and spices effectively.
Ingredients
For the Lamb
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Spices
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 green cardamom pods
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
Step 1: Prepare the Lamb
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb chunks with ghee or oil.
- Add in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 2: Add Spices
- Sprinkle in the Kashmiri chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom pods.
- Stir everything together until the lamb is well coated in spices.
Step 3: Incorporate Yogurt
- Whisk the plain yogurt until smooth.
- Pour it over the lamb mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Transfer the entire mixture into your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the lamb is fork-tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with rice or naan for a complete meal!
How to Serve Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
Serving Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt can elevate any meal. This dish pairs well with several accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
With Rice
- Basmati rice: The fluffy texture of basmati rice absorbs the sauce nicely.
- Jeera rice: Cumin-flavored rice adds an aromatic touch to the dish.
With Bread
- Naan: Soft and pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the lamb.
- Roti: This unleavened flatbread offers a wholesome base for the curry.
With Salads
- Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the spices in the dish.
- Onion-tomato salad: A tangy mix of onions and tomatoes adds crunch and zest.
With Yogurt
- Raita: A cooling yogurt side dish with cucumber can help tone down the heat.
- Plain yogurt: Simply serve a bowl of plain yogurt to complement the richness.
How to Perfect Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
Perfecting this recipe requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your lamb rogan josh turns out delicious every time.
- Choose quality lamb: Select fresh, high-quality lamb shoulder for better flavor.
- Marinate overnight: Allowing the meat to marinate in spices and yogurt enhances tenderness.
- Use low heat: Slow cooking at low temperatures helps develop deep flavors without drying out the meat.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Kashmiri chili powder based on your heat preference.

Best Side Dishes for Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
Pairing side dishes with your Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great suggestions.
- Naan bread: This soft bread is excellent for scooping up flavorful bites of lamb.
- Basmati rice: Aromatic basmati rice complements the rich sauce beautifully.
- Cucumber raita: A cooling side of raita enhances the spiciness of the curry.
- Mixed vegetable curry: A vegetable dish adds color and variety to your plate.
- Pickled onions: Tangy pickled onions provide a zesty contrast to the richness of the lamb.
- Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Not Using Fresh Spices: Fresh spices deliver the best flavor. Replace old spices for a more vibrant dish.
- Skipping Marination: Failing to marinate the lamb can result in less tender meat. Always marinate your lamb in yogurt and spices for at least an hour.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Cooking too much lamb at once can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even heat distribution.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Rushing the cooking process will affect tenderness and flavor. Allow enough time for slow cooking to develop rich flavors.
- Not Adjusting Spice Levels: Overlooking personal spice preferences can lead to a dish that’s too spicy or bland. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt?
Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt is a rich and aromatic curry made with tender lamb pieces simmered slowly with spices and yogurt, creating a flavorful dish.
How do I customize my Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh?
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like potatoes or carrots. Adjust spice levels by using more or less Kashmiri chili based on your preference.
Can I use other cuts of lamb?
Yes, while lamb shoulder is ideal due to its fat content, you can also use leg of lamb or even stew meat as alternatives.
What should I serve with Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh?
This dish pairs well with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita for added freshness.
Final Thoughts
Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt is not just a delicious dish; it’s also versatile enough to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this recipe allows for plenty of customization. Try it out today for a hearty meal that will impress your family and friends!

Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt
- Total Time: 48 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh with Kashmiri Chili and Yogurt is a luxurious dish that brings the rich flavors of Kashmir to your dinner table. Tender lamb shoulder is simmered slowly with a blend of aromatic spices, including Kashmiri chili, cumin, and coriander, creating a robust sauce that captivates the senses. The addition of creamy yogurt adds a delightful tanginess, balancing the spices beautifully. With its vibrant red color and tantalizing aroma, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up every bit of the sauce, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 large onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine lamb chunks with ghee or oil. Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger; mix well.
- Sprinkle in Kashmiri chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom pods. Stir until lamb is coated in spices.
- Whisk the yogurt until smooth and pour over the lamb mixture; stir gently.
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot with rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the lamb overnight in yogurt and spices. Adjust spice levels according to your heat preference by varying the amount of Kashmiri chili used. Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes or carrots for extra texture.