Arguably the King of Indian Curries, Rogan Josh is one of the most recognised Indian curries outside of India. Sadly, its ubiquitous stature has done it no favours beyond the borders of the sub-continent. Like many noble dishes before it, Rogan Josh has suffered from the inevitable gentrification that comes with Western popularity. Along with its equally maligned cousin Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh has been largely reduced to a synonym for a generic lamb curry. This is an absolute tragedy because Rogan Josh deserves its enduring popularity, it just shouldn’t have to suffer because of it.

In its true form, it is an amazing curry; incredibly tasty and surprisingly easy to make – it is my top pick for any Indian feast!

For more of my top picks for an Indian feast, please click here

Rogan Josh: Serves 6

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 6cm fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. ground coriander
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. Kashmiri chilli powder, if unavailable use 1/2 tsp. of regular chilli powder and add an extra 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1kg stewing lamb, cut into 3cm cubes (bone-in)
• 5 tbsp. ghee or vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 6 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 bay leaves, preferably fresh
• 6 to 8cm cinnamon stick
• 3/4 cup plain yoghurt
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala

Optional:

Small pinch of saffron, soaked in 2 tbsp. of milk or hot water

Method:

1. Mix the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, chilli powder and paprika in a large bowl.
2. Add the meat and mix well till all the meat is coated in the spices
3. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight or for at least 3 hours
4. When you are ready to start cooking, take the marinated meat out of the fridge and allow to return to room temperature
5. Heat the ghee/oil in a large saucepan over a low heat
6. Add the onions and sauté for about 10 minutes or until lightly brown. Be careful not to burn them.
7. Remove the onions from the pan, leaving the ghee/oil in the pan.
8. Add the cloves, cardamom, bay leaves and cinnamon and gently fry for a minute.
9. Increase the heat to high and add the meat and onions, mix well and fry for a few minutes.
10. Reduce the heat and cover the pan.
11. Allow to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes
12. Put a kettle on to boil
13. Take off the cover and increase the heat. Fry for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and the oil to separate.
14. Add 125ml (1/2 cup) of water from the kettle, cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce reduces again and the oil separates.
15. Add 250ml (1 cup) of water from the kettle, partially cover and cook on a reduced heat for an hour or until the meat is tender.
16. Keeping the heat low, stir in the yogurt and mix gently to combine. Add the saffron, if using.
17. Sprinkle over the garam masala and stir.
18. Season with salt to taste.