Hyderabadi Rogan Josh Mutton recipe
About Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a classic Indian mutton curry which is a famous dish across India. It is known for its deep red color, rich aroma, and slow-cooked flavor. This Hyderabadi style Rogan Josh is made by cooking tender and soft pieces of mutton in a gravy prepared with curd/yogurt, different kinds of spices, and the Kashmiri red chilli, which is known for its natural red colour without making the curry too spicy.
We see traditional Indian curries are cooked with tomatoes and onions, but this Hyderabadi style Rogan Josh recipe does not use onions and tomatoes. This dish relies mainly on yogurt, fennel, ginger, and Kashmiri red chilli for flavour.
Origin & History of Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is known for its rich aromatic cuisines and spices. But Rogan Josh originated from Persia and parts of Central Asia, later brought to India by the Mughals through trade and cultural exchanges.
Why Is It Called Rogan Josh?
The name Rogan Josh comes from two words that originated from Persia. The word ‘Rogan’ means oil or clarified butter and ‘Josh’ means heat, passion, or intense boiling. The name roughly translates to “cooked in oil over high heat.”
Ingredients used in Rogan Josh Mutton recipe
Main Ingredient :
Mutton pieces (1kg), I personally suggest to use bone-in mutton pieces for rich flavour.
Whole Spices :
Bay leaves
Green cardamom
Cloves
Cinnamon stick
Black cardamom (optional)
Kashmiri red chilli powder
Dry ginger powder (sonth)
Fennel powder (saunf)
Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
Other ingredients
Fresh yogurt (curd) : curd is essential in Jagram Josh Mutton recipe as it gives the creamy texture and tenderizes the mutton.
Ghee or clarifies butter : provides rich and deep flavour, releases aromatic fragrance and helps extract colour from the spices.
Ginger paste or crushed dried ginger : used for their pungent, flavour and digestive properties.
Lemon juice : gives a touch of acidity that balances all the flavours and spices.
Fresh coriander leaves : gives a vibrant garnishing touch.
Saffron milk and Rose/Kewra water : for perfect Hyderabadi finish.
Step-by-Step Hyderabadi Rogan Josh Mutton Recipe
This recipe of Hyderabadi Rogan Josh can easily be made at home and serves 3-4 people.
I have used quantities suitable for my family, but you can adjust them according to the number of people you want to serve.
Preparation time : 15 minutes
Cooking time : 60-70 minutes
Marinating the mutton
In a bowl, add the mutton pieces along with half cup whisked curd, half tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, a pinch of salt and lemon juice. Mix well and marinate for 20-30 minutes or leave it overnight.
Preparing the yogurt
Whisk the yogurt until it becomes smooth and make sure to keep it at room temperature.
Cooking the Rogan Josh
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil or ghee and add cumin seeds.
- Add bay leaves, cardamoms, cloves, and cinnamon and keep sauteing until it becomes aromatic.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook it until the raw smell disappears, continue by adding a pinch of asafoetida and stir quickly.
- Then put the marinated mutton into the pan and cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it changes its colour to light brown.
- Now mix Kashmiri red chilli powder with a little warm water and add it to the pan.
- Cook it on low flame, this is important and add the whisked curd in small batches and keep stirring continuously for a few minutes.
- To this, add turmeric powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, and salt. Mix well until the oil gets separated.
- Keep adding water occasionally and cook on low heat for 40-50 minutes and you will notice the mutton has become soft and tender.
- For the perfect Hyderabadi finish, add saffron milk and rose/kewra water.
- Once it is cooked, you can keep stirring for a few more minutes for a thicker gravy and then turn off the stove. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Rogan Josh has many lovely serving options. It tastes the best when it is served hot and fresh.
With Indian breads :
Naan, Roti/ chapati, Tandoori roti.
With Rice
Steamed basmati rice, Jeera rice, Plain rice.
Side Dishes
Plain curd or raita, onion salad with lemon, Cucumber salad.
Expert Tips for Perfect Rogan Josh
- Always cook on low heat after adding the yogurt as high heat can affect the texture.
- Whisking the yogurt well and keeping it at room temperature is important.
- Always add the yogurt gradually or in small batches and keep stirring it continuously for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Do not rush the cooking process. Always slow-cook the mutton to let it absorb the flavours deeply.
- Avoid adding tomatoes or onions if you want a perfect traditional Hyderabadi-style Rogan Josh.
- Using the Kashmiri red chilli powder in this dish is the key as it gives that deep red colour without making the dish too spicy.
- Let the curry rest for 10-15 minutes after you are done cooking as it helps the flavours settle down.
Frequently Asked Questions – Rogan Josh Mutton
- What are the ingredients used in the Hyderabadi Rogan Josh Mutton recipe ?
This Hyderabadi style Rogan Josh is made using simple ingredients like mutton, yogurt, and aromatic spices.
- Does Rogan Josh not use onions and tomatoes in its preparation ?
No, the Rogan Josh recipe does not use onions or tomatoes in its preparation. It gets the gravy from using yogurt and spices.
- Why does my yogurt curdle in Rogan Josh?
Yogurt can curdle if it is added over a cold or high heat. To avoid it, whisk it well and keep it at room temperature.
- Can I store leftover Rogan Josh?
Yes, you can store leftover Rogan Josh curry in refrigerators for up to 2 days. Heat it gently before serving.
- What gives Rogan Josh its red color?
The beautiful red color of the Rogan Josh comes from Kashmiri red chilli powder. No, it does not use any food coloring.
- Is Rogan Josh healthy?
Rogan Josh is rich in protein and iron so enjoy it in moderation and keep it balanced.
- Which cut of mutton is best for Rogan Josh?
Bone-in mutton pieces work the best for Rogan Josh as they add more flavour and richness to the gravy.
- How is Rogan Josh different from other mutton curries ?
Rogan josh stands out from other mutton curries because of its simple but aromatic ingredients and unique cooking style. Traditional Indian curries use tomatoes and onions, but Rogan Josh does not. Its rich gravy comes from yogurt and whole spices.
