Mutton Rogan Josh is a classic Indian dish that’s beloved for a reason—it’s simply delicious. And when you whip it up unique homemade style, it becomes even more irresistible.

This curry is a real winner, boasting complex flavors in a luxuriously rich sauce. Lamb Rogan Josh is one of the heavy hitters in Indian cuisine.

The key to what makes Rogan Josh so special? The lamb. It takes the dish to a whole new level, adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with any other meat.

But hey, I’m not saying you can’t experiment. While lamb is the star, chicken and beef both work beautifully in this dish too. Goat is another fantastic option, and if you’ve never tried mutton organ, Josh, it’s worth a shot.

About Mutton Rogan Josh

The history behind the Mutton Rogan Josh

The history behind Mutton Rogan Josh is as rich and flavorful as the dish itself. Originating from the beautiful region of Kashmir in northern India, Rogan Josh has deep roots in the culinary traditions of the region.

The name “Rogan Josh” comes from  Persian words, where “Rogan” refers to oil or clarified butter, while “josh” means heat or passion. This name perfectly encapsulates the essence of the dish, which is known for its vibrant red color and spicy flavor profile.

It is believed that Mutton Rogan Josh was brought to Kashmir by the Mughals, who ruled over the region for centuries. The Mughals, known for their extravagant and opulent lifestyle, had a profound influence on Kashmiri cuisine, introducing new ingredients and cooking techniques.

The original version of Rogan Josh was made with tender chunks of lamb or goat meat cooked in a rich gravy flavored with a blend of aromatic spices. Over time, the dish evolved to suit the tastes and preferences of the Kashmiri people, with variations in spice levels and ingredients.

One of the key ingredients that give Mutton Rogan Josh its distinctive flavor and color is Kashmiri chili powder, which is known for its vibrant red hue and moderate level of heat. Other essential spices include cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves, which are toasted and ground to release their aromatic oils.

Traditionally, Mutton Rogan Josh is slow-cooked in a heavy-bottomed pot over a low flame, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and succulent. The addition of yogurt or cream lends a creamy texture to the gravy, balancing out the spiciness of the dish.

Today, Mutton Rogan Josh continues to be a beloved dish not only in Kashmir but also across India and around the world. Its rich flavors and aromatic spices make it a favorite choice for special occasions and festive gatherings, where it is served with steamed rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Preparation of Mutton Rogan Josh

Ingredients

1. Mutton-1 kilogram, chopped into cubes
2. Asafoetida-½ teaspoon
3. Cinnamon-2 sticks
4. Black Cardamom Pods-5
5. Ginger Powder-1 ¼ teaspoons
6. Hung Curd (thick yogurt)-150 grams
7. Salt-To taste
8. Water-1 ½ cups
9. Milk-2 ½ tablespoons
10. Ghee (clarified butter)-½ cup
11. Cumin seeds-1 ¼ teaspoons
12. Peppercorns-1 teaspoon
13. Red chillies-4, Dried
14. Coriander Powder-1 ¼ tablespoons
15. Saffron-A pinch
16. Red chilli powder-1 tablespoon
17. Fennel seeds powder-1 ½ tablespoons
18. All-purpose flour-1 ¼ tablespoons

Read More:Mutton Curry Desi Dhaba Style

Cooking Process of Mutton Rogan Josh

1. Marinate the Mutton:

• In a large bowl, mix the chopped mutton with hung curd (thick yogurt), ginger powder, and salt to taste.
• Marinate the mutton for at least 2 hours. It is best if you can leave it the whole night in the freeze.

2. Prepare the Spices:

• Dry roast the cinnamon sticks, black cardamom pods, cumin seeds, peppercorns, and dried red chilies in a pan until fragrant.
• Take a grinder, put all roasted spices in a grinder jar, and make a fine powder. It releases the flavor and aromas that add a spicy texture to Mutton Rogan Josh.

3. Cooking the Mutton:

• Heat ghee (clarified butter) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
• Add the marinated mutton to the pot and cook until it turns brown on all sides, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Spices:

• Once the mutton is browned, add the ground spice powder (from step 2), coriander powder, red chilli powder, fennel seeds powder, and a pinch of saffron to the pot.
• Stir well to coat the mutton evenly with the spices.

5. Simmering:

• Pour water into the pot, covering the mutton completely.
• Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the mutton is tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Remember to give it a gentle stir every now and then. If you notice it’s getting too dry, feel free to add a bit more water to keep it nice and moist. This helps ensure your dish stays flavorful and doesn’t end up overly dry.
   

6. Thickening the Gravy:

• In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with milk to form a smooth paste (known as a slurry).
• Gradually add the slurry to the pot, stirring continuously, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

7. Finishing Touches:

• Adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.
• Garnish the Mutton Rogan Josh with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired, before serving.

8. Serve:

• Mutton Rogan Josh is traditionally served hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of the dish.

Watch how to make Mutton Rogan Josh on the Youtube

Variations of Mutton Rogan Josh

1. Kashmiri Mutton Rogan Josh:

This traditional version of Rogan Josh includes ingredients like Kashmiri red chili powder, which gives the dish its characteristic red color. It’s often cooked with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

2. Hyderabadi Mutton Rogan Josh:

In this variation, the dish is influenced by the flavors of Hyderabad, known for its rich and spicy cuisine. It may include ingredients like tamarind paste, coconut milk, and a unique blend of Hyderabadi spices such as curry leaves, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds.

3. Awadhi Mutton Rogan Josh:

Originating from the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, this version of Rogan Josh is known for its rich and creamy gravy. It often includes ingredients like cashew paste, cream, and saffron, giving the dish a luxurious texture and flavor.

4. Bengali Mutton Rogan Josh:

In Bengal, Mutton Rogan Josh may feature a slightly different spice blend, incorporating ingredients like mustard oil, bay leaves, and Bengali garam masala. It might also include potatoes or other vegetables to add depth to the dish.

5. Spicy Mutton Rogan Josh:

For those who love heat, a spicy variation of Rogan Josh can be made by increasing the amount of chili powder or adding extra green chilies. This version packs a punch and is perfect for spice enthusiasts.

6. Slow Cooker Mutton Rogan Josh:

A convenient option for busy days, this variation involves cooking the dish in a slow cooker. Simply marinate the mutton, prepare the spices, and let it simmer in the slow cooker for several hours until tender and flavorful.

7. Vegetarian Mutton Rogan Josh:

For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the mutton with ingredients like paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or mixed vegetables. The spices and cooking methods remain the same, resulting in a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Nutritional Facts of Mutton Rogan Josh

Serving: 4-5 servings 

1. Calories: 1000-1200kcal
2. Carbohydrates: 50g
3. Protein: 70g
4. Fat: 70g
5. Saturated Fat: 44g
6. Cholesterol: 205mg
7. Sodium: 3386mg
8. Potassium: 1943mg
9. Fiber: 13.2g
10. Sugar: 13.2g
11. Vitamin A: 3821IU
12. Vitamin C: 64mg
13. Calcium: 136.4mg
14. Iron: 13.2mg

Conclusion