This Lamb Rogan Josh is a celebration of heritage flavors, bringing together the warmth of traditional spices with a refreshing, slow-cooked tomato and yogurt sauce. It’s a versatile favorite that transforms simple lamb into a gourmet experience.
The Secret to an Iconic British Rogan Josh
Lamb Rogan Josh stands as a pillar of the British Curry House experience. While its roots trace back to Persian-influenced Kashmiri cuisine, the UK version has evolved into a uniquely comforting masterpiece characterized by its vibrant “Rogan” (red oil) and “Josh” (passion/heat). The hallmark of a professional-grade Rogan Josh is the balance of aromatics—where the earthy warmth of cumin and coriander meets the floral notes of cardamom and the deep, smoky sweetness of Kashmiri chilies.
In high-end gastropubs and traditional curry houses, the complexity of the sauce is achieved through patience. By slowly emulsifying full-fat yogurt into a spiced tomato base, chefs create a sauce that is velvety, rich, and capable of clinging to every tender morsel of lamb. This dish is less about aggressive heat and more about a layered, sophisticated warmth that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
Preparation & Mise en Place
To achieve the signature depth of a professional British curry house, follow this preparation checklist:
- The “Oil Split” Indicator: When cooking your tomato and spice base, wait until you see the oil separate from the sauce (the “Rogan”). This is the visual cue that the spices are fully cooked and the flavors have intensified.
- Yogurt Tempering: Cold yogurt will curdle instantly in a hot curry. Whisk your yogurt until smooth and ensure it is at room temperature before adding it to the pot spoon by spoon.
- Batch Searing: Always brown the lamb in small batches. This ensures high heat contact, creating a deep crust that adds essential “umami” to the final gravy.
- The Low-and-Slow Mandate: Tougher cuts like lamb shoulder require time to transform. A minimum of 75–90 minutes of gentle simmering is required to melt the collagen into the sauce
Traditional Lamb Rogan Josh Recipe
.Serves: 4
Total Time: 90 minutes
Flavour Profile: Rich, aromatic, mildly spiced, and deeply savoury
Ingredients
- 800 g lamb shoulder or leg, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup water or lamb stock
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the lamb:
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the base:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook briefly.
- Add spices:
- Add cumin, coriander, paprika, chilli powder, and garam masala. Stir well and cook for a minute to release the aromas.
- Build the sauce:
- Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 8–10 minutes until the oil begins to separate slightly and the sauce deepens in colour.
- Simmer the curry:
- Return the lamb to the pot. Add yogurt gradually, stirring to prevent curdling. Pour in water or stock, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 60 minutes until the lamb is tender.
- Finish and rest:
- Season with salt and allow the curry to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander.
If you enjoy comforting curries, try our Chicken Katsu Curry for a crispy and flavourful twist
🍽 Serving
Lamb Rogan Josh is traditionally served with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. It pairs well with cooling sides such as cucumber raita or a simple salad. For a true British curry house experience, serve alongside poppadoms and chutneys. This dish improves in flavour when rested, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or preparing ahead of time.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Potassium: 680 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 110 mg
- Iron: 5.1 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
Lamb Rogan Josh (British Curry House Style) is a celebration of slow cooking and layered flavours. With its rich sauce and tender meat, it offers a comforting and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Britain’s beloved curry culture. Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening or shared with friends, this dish delivers warmth, depth, and classic appeal.