Slow-Cooked Rogan Josh Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
- 2 large onions, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 cm (1 inch) piece of ginger, grated
- 200g (7 oz) plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 400g (14 oz) can of tomatoes, chopped
- 500ml (2 cups) beef or lamb stock
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish, chopped
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 6 hours and 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Lamb
Salt the lamb chunks generously. In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, sear the lamb pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer the seared lamb into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onions until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Brewing the Spice
Reduce the pan heat to low and add cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, paprika, cardamom, and bay leaves. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to bloom the spices. This step releases the essential oils, creating a rich base for the curry.
Step 4: Building the Curry Base
Add the canned tomatoes and stock to the pan, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker over the browned lamb.
Step 5: Slow Cooking Perfection
Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 hours. This slow cooking method ensures tender, flaky meat and deep, intertwined flavors. Stir occasionally if possible.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the yogurt and garam masala. Adjust salt and cayenne for heat and flavor balance. Allow these last ingredients to harmonize into the dish.
Conclusion
There you have it—a lovingly crafted, slow-cooked Rogan Josh that’s bound to become a family favorite. Each bite is a melody of spices that whispers tales of distant lands and age-old traditions. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan. This dish doesn’t just fill the stomach; it feeds the soul. Dive in, savor the moment, and relish the artful dance of spices and slow-cooked lamb. Until next time, happy cooking!
