Lamb Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is an Indian lamb curry with a flavorful combination of spices in a creamy tomato curry sauce. The secret is to layer the spices slowly and simmer until the lamb is fall apart tender and the flavors have come together in the sauce. I like to let the delicate flavors of the combination of the spices in this dish speak for themselves, so I don't make my Rogan Josh too hot, but you can certainly amp up the peppers if you like more bite in your curry.

Ingredients

3.5 Tbsp butter (or ghee if preferred)

1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

6 tsp cardamom

1 large onion , finely chopped

3 cloves garlic , finely minced

1 Tbsp ginger, finely grated

5 Tbsp tomato paste or sauce (not ketchup)

1 tsp salt

1.5lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1.2" cubes

1.5 cups chicken stock, salt reduced (broth)

SPICES

2 Tbsp paprika, normal or sweet

3/4 tsp chilli powder (or to taste, depending on how spicy you like it)

4 tsp ground coriander

4 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp turmeric powder

3 tsp garam marsala (if you cannot find this, substitute curry powder)

SERVING/GARNISH

1/2 cup plain yoghurt (Greek yogurt is fine, Skyr is better)

Chopped coriander leaves

Basmati or long grained white rice

Method

• Melt butter or ghee over medium heat in large heavy based pot. Add cinnamon, cardamom and garam masala and cook for one minute.

• Add onion and cook for 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until pieces are golden and starting the brown on the edges.

• Add the garlic and ginger, cook for another minute.

• Stir in all the remaining spices, cook for 30 seconds.

• Mix in the tomato puree/paste and salt, then add chicken stock.

• Add the lamb, stir, and bring to simmer.

• Place the lid on and adjust the heat to low or medium low so it's simmering very gently. This is the key to tender lamb.

• Cook for 1 hour 45 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to ensure the lamb does not stick, until the lamb is very tender.

• Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 15 minutes (to reduce the sauce slightly) - the lamb should be very tender by this stage.

• Stir in the yogurt, and add some more garam masala if desired.

• Check seasoning is as you like it, add any additional spice and simmer for another few minutes to incorporate the flavors.

• Serve over basmati or long grained white rice, sprinkled with fresh coriander leaves.

In the Glass

A rich curry like Rogan Josh just calls for a crisp, refreshing beer. Taj Mahal is our favorite beer to enjoy with curry, but any Indian beer will work well. If you cannot find Indian beer, then a crisp lager will also work. Make sure it is super cold and ideally chill the glass before your pour it.