Rogan Josh Sauce

Name: Rogan Josh Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian (Kashmiri)
Ingredients: Kashmiri chile powder — 20 g (2 tbsp); Yogurt — 150 g (2/3 cup); Onion, chopped — 1 large; Garlic and ginger paste — 20 g (1.5 tbsp); Ground fennel seed — 10 g (1 tbsp); Whole spices (bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves) — assorted; Ghee or vegetable oil — 60 ml (1/4 cup); Water or stock — 300 ml (1.25 cups)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

15 min

Prep

40 min

Cook

Ingredients

Kashmiri chile powder — 20 g (2 tbsp)
Yogurt — 150 g (2/3 cup)
Onion, chopped — 1 large
Garlic and ginger paste — 20 g (1.5 tbsp)
Ground fennel seed — 10 g (1 tbsp)
Whole spices (bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves) — assorted
Ghee or vegetable oil — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
Water or stock — 300 ml (1.25 cups)

Method

Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot; fry whole spices briefly until fragrant.
Add chopped onion, cook until deeply golden, about 12-15 minutes.
Add garlic-ginger paste and Kashmiri chile powder, cook 2-3 minutes (chile powder gives colour without excessive
heat).
Whisk yogurt smooth and add gradually, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
Add ground fennel and stock; simmer 25-30 minutes until thickened and deeply red.

Cultural Background: A deep red, aromatic curry sauce from Kashmir, rogan josh ('red oil') gets its vivid colour traditionally from Kashmiri chiles and ratanjot (alkanet root), a Persian-influenced dish central to Kashmiri wazwan feast cuisine.

Tips: • Kashmiri chile powder is prized specifically for its vivid red colour with relatively mild heat — don't substitute with a hotter chile powder without adjusting quantity. • Whisking yogurt in gradually while stirring constantly prevents it from splitting in the hot sauce.

Variations: • Add a pinch of saffron dissolved in warm milk for an extra luxurious, fragrant touch. • Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, simmered directly in the sauce.

Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally; avoid boiling vigorously. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 110 kcal, 2 g protein, 9 g fat, 4 g carbohydrate per 100 ml serving.

FAQs: What is rogan josh sauce traditionally used for? A rich gravy for lamb or mutton, a centerpiece dish of Kashmiri wazwan feast cuisine. What gives rogan josh its distinctive red colour? Traditionally, Kashmiri chile powder and sometimes ratanjot (alkanet root), giving the dish its name meaning 'red oil' or 'red juice'.