The Indian Cookbook Series

One Pan Dishes · Curries

Mutton Rogan Josh

Tender mutton slow-cooked in a deeply spiced, aromatic curry sauce — rich, warming, and full of flavor. A classic dish worth the wait.

By Sai Balaji·PREP 15 MINUTES·COOK 35 MINUTES·SERVES 4

Watch it made

Ingredients

  • raw mutton300 g
  • turmeric1 tsp
  • salt1 tbsp
  • black pepper½ tbsp
  • ginger-garlic paste1 tbsp
  • green chilies, slit4
  • sunflower oil4 tbsp
  • fennel seeds1 tbsp
  • cumin seeds1 tbsp
  • green chilies2–3
  • mace (javitri)1 small piece
  • black cardamom1
  • green cardamom3–4
  • cloves4–5
  • small cinnamon sticks1–2
  • bay leaves2
  • red onion, diced1
  • small tomatoes, diced3
  • dahi (yogurt)2 cups
  • ginger powder1 tbsp
  • Kashmiri chili powder2 tbsp
  • coriander powder1 tbsp
  • Water, as needed
  • Rice or flatbread, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1Pressure cook the mutton: Add 300 g mutton, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp salt, ½ tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, and 4 slit green chilies to an Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the mutton.
  2. 2Cook the mutton: Pressure cook for 20 minutes, until the mutton is tender.
  3. 3Bloom the spices: Meanwhile, heat 4 tbsp sunflower oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 1 tbsp cumin seeds, 2–3 green chilies, mace, black cardamom, green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Cook the onion: Add 1 diced red onion and cook for about 3 minutes.
  5. 5Add the tomatoes: Add 3 small diced tomatoes and cook until softened.
  6. 6Add the mutton: Once cooked, reserve about ¾ of the mutton broth. Add the mutton and remaining ¼ of the broth to the pan. Stir to combine.
  7. 7Prepare the yogurt mixture: In a bowl, mix 2 cups dahi, 1 tbsp ginger powder, 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder, and 1 tbsp coriander powder until smooth.
  8. 8Add the yogurt: Pour the yogurt mixture into the pan and stir well to combine with the mutton and spices.
  9. 9Simmer the Rogan Josh: Cook for about 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together. Gradually add the reserved broth until the curry reaches your desired consistency.
  10. 10Serve: Serve the Mutton Rogan Josh hot with rice or flatbread.