Easy & Customisable Rogan Josh Recipe – A Fragrant & Hearty Dish

A rich and aromatic curry, Rogan Josh is traditionally made with lamb, but you can also prepare it with chicken or vegetables for a delicious and warming meal.


Preparation & Cooking Time

Vegetarian Rogan Josh

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–60 minutes

Chicken Rogan Josh

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 45–60 minutes

Lamb Rogan Josh

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes

Tip: Marinating the meat for a few hours enhances flavour and tenderness. Ensure lamb is fully cooked and tender before serving.


Ingredients

For Vegetarian Rogan Josh:

🥕 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower), chopped
🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
🍅 2 tomatoes, pureed
🥛 1/2 cup plain yogurt
🛢️ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
🌿 1 tsp cumin seeds
🌰 2–3 green cardamom pods
🛢️ 2–3 cloves
🌀 1-inch cinnamon stick
🧄 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
🧂 1 tsp ground turmeric
🌶️ 2 tsp ground coriander
🌶️ 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
🌶️ 1 tsp paprika
🍛 1 tsp garam masala
🧂 Salt to taste
🌿 Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Chicken Rogan Josh:

🍗 500g boneless chicken pieces (substituting vegetables)
🥛 1/2 cup plain yogurt
🛢️ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Follow the same ingredient list as Vegetarian Rogan Josh, replacing vegetables with chicken.

For Lamb Rogan Josh:

🥩 500g lamb, cut into cubes
🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
🍅 2 tomatoes, pureed
🥛 1/2 cup plain yogurt
🛢️ 3 tbsp vegetable oil
🌿 1 tsp cumin seeds
🌰 4 green cardamom pods
🛢️ 4 cloves
🌀 2-inch cinnamon stick
🧄 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
🧂 1 tsp ground turmeric
🌶️ 2 tsp ground coriander
🌶️ 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
🌶️ 1 tsp paprika
🍛 1 tsp garam masala
🧂 Salt to taste
🌿 Fresh coriander leaves for garnish


Instructions

1. Cook the Base

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant.
  • Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

2. Add Spices & Tomatoes

  • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
  • Add turmeric, coriander, chilli powder, and paprika. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

3. Add the Main Ingredients

For Vegetarian Rogan Josh:

  • Add mixed vegetables, salt, and mix well.
  • Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender.

For Chicken Rogan Josh:

  • Add chicken pieces and mix well to coat with the spice mixture.
  • Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

For Lamb Rogan Josh:

  • Add lamb cubes and stir well to coat.
  • Add 1/2 cup water if needed and cover. Cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until lamb is tender.

4. Final Touches

  • Stir in yogurt and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  • Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.

5. Garnish & Serve

  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with rice or naan.

Adjust spice levels to your preference and enjoy this fragrant, slow-cooked Rogan Josh! 🍛🔥