Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh is a tantalizing fusion of rich, tender lamb and aromatic spices, offering a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh is his take on the traditional Kashmiri-style curry, featuring lamb as the star ingredient. This dish is known for its aromatic spices, complex flavors, and vibrant red color.

The lamb is simmered in a rich sauce made with ingredients like yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices including garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The dish balances heat with a subtle depth of flavor, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

The key to this recipe is the slow cooking process that ensures the lamb is tender and the spices infuse every bite. It’s a comforting, aromatic curry that’s great for cozy evenings or serving at a dinner party.

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh Recipe

Ingredients Needed

• Lamb shoulder (or leg), cut into chunks (about 1 kg)
• Olive oil for searing
• Onion, finely chopped (1 large)
• Garlic, minced (4 cloves)
• Ginger, minced (2-inch piece)
• Ground cumin (1 tsp)
• Ground coriander (1 tsp)
• Ground turmeric (1 tsp)
• Ground cinnamon (½ tsp)
• Garam masala (1 tbsp)
• Dried chilies (2-3) or chili flakes, depending on heat preference
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp)
• Canned chopped tomatoes (400g)
• Natural yogurt (150g)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt to taste
• Water or lamb stock (500ml)
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, for added tang)

Equipment Needed

• Large frying pan or skillet for browning the lamb
• Large pot or Dutch oven for simmering the curry
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for chopping ingredients
• Chopping board for prepping vegetables
• Ladle for serving
• Grater for fresh ginger and garlic (optional)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh?

1. Prepare the lamb: Begin by cutting the lamb shoulder into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt and set aside.
2. Brown the lamb: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb pieces in batches, ensuring they’re golden all over. This step adds depth to the dish’s flavor. Once browned, transfer the lamb to a separate plate.
3. Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and garam masala. Let the spices toast for a minute, allowing their oils to release and intensify the flavors.
5. Incorporate tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and canned chopped tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
6. Simmer the curry: Add the browned lamb pieces back into the pan, then pour in the water or lamb stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb becomes tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
7. Finish with yogurt: Once the lamb is tender, stir in the yogurt and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will make the sauce rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice if needed.
8. Garnish and serve: Serve the Lamb Rogan Josh hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Pair it with steamed rice or warm naan for an authentic experience.

Expert Tips

• Lamb choice: For a tender and flavorful curry, lamb shoulder works best due to its marbling and slow-cook qualities. However, you can also use leg of lamb or lamb shanks for a richer flavor.
• Spice level: Adjust the level of heat by altering the number of dried chilies or chili flakes. If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount or omit the dried chilies entirely.
• Cooking time: Slow cooking is essential for developing the full depth of flavors. If you’re short on time, you can pressure-cook the lamb, but it won’t have the same melt-in-your-mouth tenderness as slow-simmered lamb.
• Yogurt: Adding yogurt at the end of cooking helps to balance the heat and provides a creamy texture. Be sure to stir it in gently to avoid curdling.
• Resting time: Like many curries, this dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make extra and store it for an even more flavorful meal!

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh offers a wonderfully aromatic, deeply flavorful curry that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich blend of spices and tender lamb, it’s a comforting dish that brings a taste of Kashmiri cuisine to your table.

Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to impress with its easy-to-follow instructions and satisfying results. Enjoy it with warm naan bread or fluffy rice for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh is a delightful and aromatic dish, bursting with flavor and an irresistible depth of spices. While the classic recipe is certainly a treat, sometimes it’s fun to put your twist on it. Here are some easy and exciting variations you can experiment with:

1. Vegetarian Rogan Josh (Vegan Option)

For a vegetarian or vegan version of Jamie’s Lamb Rogan Josh, substitute the lamb with hearty vegetables like cauliflower, eggplant, or mushrooms. These vegetables absorb the rich, flavorful sauce, making them a perfect stand-in for meat.

You can also add tofu for extra protein or lentils for a filling option. Swap the yogurt for coconut milk to keep the creaminess without the dairy.

2. Slow-Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh

Slow cooking the lamb in a crockpot or slow cooker is a fantastic way to elevate the flavors of the Rogan Josh. Instead of simmering the lamb for just an hour or two, allow it to cook low and slow for 6-8 hours. This will tenderize the lamb even more, allowing the spices to fully meld and create a deeper, more intense flavor profile.

3. Rogan Josh With Coconut

While Jamie’s version typically uses yogurt for creaminess, you can add a tropical twist by incorporating coconut milk or coconut cream. The subtle sweetness of coconut milk balances the rich and spicy flavors, and it can add a wonderfully velvety texture to the sauce. You can also sprinkle toasted shredded coconut on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.

4. Spicy Rogan Josh With Chili

If you love your dishes with a bit of heat, you can increase the spice levels in the Lamb Rogan Josh by adding extra fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili powder to the recipe. The original dish is flavorful, but the heat from additional chilies will give it that extra kick, perfect for spice lovers.

5. Add Dried Fruits For A Sweet Touch

For a more complex flavor profile, consider adding dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or sultanas to the Rogan Josh. The sweetness of the dried fruit pairs beautifully with the savory lamb and spices, adding an unexpected yet delightful contrast that works particularly well with the deep, rich flavors of the curry sauce.

6. Lamb Rogan Josh With Nuts

For added texture and flavor, toast some almonds, cashews, or pistachios and sprinkle them over the finished dish. Nuts bring a crunch and a subtly nutty flavor that complements the spicy, tender lamb perfectly. They also enhance the dish’s richness and make it even more filling.

These variations give you the flexibility to experiment with Jamie Oliver’s iconic Lamb Rogan Josh recipe to suit your dietary preferences or mood, all while keeping the dish as vibrant and aromatic as the original.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Lamb Rogan Josh is a dish that gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and intensify. Storing leftovers properly ensures they remain delicious and safe to eat. Here are some best practices for storing your Lamb Rogan Josh:

1. Cool It Down Quickly

Before storing leftovers, it’s important to cool them down as quickly as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Once your Lamb Rogan Josh has finished cooking, allow it to cool at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. If you plan to store it for longer, place it in the refrigerator within an hour.

2. Use Airtight Containers

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in airtight containers. This prevents air from affecting the texture and flavor of the dish and helps to avoid any absorption of odors from other foods in the fridge. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they don’t retain odors like plastic might.

3. Store Separately

If you’re storing rice or other accompaniments along with the Lamb Rogan Josh, it’s best to keep them in separate containers. This ensures the lamb doesn’t soak up all the moisture from the rice, and both components can stay fresh for longer.

4. Refrigeration

You can store Lamb Rogan Josh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the temperature is set at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent any bacterial growth.

5. Freezing Leftovers

If you want to keep leftovers for a longer period, freezing is a great option. Lamb Rogan Josh can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been frozen.

6. Reheating Leftovers

When reheating leftovers, make sure the dish is heated all the way through to 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.

What Goes Well With Lamb Rogan Josh?

Lamb Rogan Josh, with its rich, fragrant sauce and tender lamb, is a dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some options to elevate your meal:

1. Basmati Rice

The most classic pairing with Lamb Rogan Josh is fragrant basmati rice. The light, fluffy texture of the rice provides a perfect balance to the bold and spicy flavors of the curry. You can even add a bit of ghee or butter to the rice for extra richness.

2. Naan Bread

Soft, warm naan is a fantastic accompaniment to Lamb Rogan Josh. Its slightly chewy texture and the ability to scoop up the curry sauce make it an ideal choice. You can choose from plain naan, garlic naan, or even cheese naan to suit your taste.

3. Raita

The cool and creamy texture of raita is a welcome contrast to the spiciness of Lamb Rogan Josh. A simple yogurt-based raita with cucumber, mint, and a pinch of cumin is incredibly refreshing and balances the heat of the curry.

4. Pickled Vegetables

The tangy and zesty flavors of pickled vegetables, such as pickled onions, carrots, or mango chutney, bring a bright, acidic element to the meal. This helps cut through the richness of the curry and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory lamb.

5. Saag Aloo

For a more robust and vegetarian side, saag aloo (spinach and potato curry) pairs wonderfully with Lamb Rogan Josh. The earthy flavors of the spinach and the soft potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the lamb, while the spices tie everything together.

6. Steamed Vegetables

If you’re looking for something lighter, steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower can serve as a great accompaniment. Their mild, neutral flavors offer a simple, healthy balance to the intense spices of the Rogan Josh.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the warmth and complexity of Indian cuisine to your dinner table. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with some fun variations, this dish is sure to impress.

The easy recipe adaptations allow you to tailor the dish to different dietary preferences, while the best practices for storing leftovers ensure you can enjoy the delicious flavors for days to come. Pair your Rogan Josh with fragrant rice, naan, or a cooling raita to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that will leave everyone at the table asking for more.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh?

To make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh, you’ll need lamb (boneless, cut into chunks), onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, yogurt, and a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and garam masala. Fresh coriander leaves are also used for garnishing.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh?

Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh takes approximately 2-3 hours to cook. The lamb needs to be slow-cooked to become tender and absorb the rich flavors of the spices.

Can I Substitute The Lamb In Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh With Another Meat?

Yes, you can substitute the lamb with other meats such as beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like paneer or chickpeas. However, the cooking times and textures may vary depending on the substitute.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Lamb Rogan Josh?

Lamb Rogan Josh is traditionally served with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. You can also pair it with a side of raita or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the Lamb Rogan Josh ahead of time. In fact, the flavors improve after resting for a few hours or even overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it before serving.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh Very Spicy?

While Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh has a warm spice level due to ingredients like garam masala and chili, it is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili or using a milder version of garam masala if you prefer a less spicy dish.

What Can I Use Instead Of Yogurt In The Lamb Rogan Josh If I’m Lactose Intolerant?

If you’re lactose intolerant, you can substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free option like coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt made from almond or soy. These will give the dish a creamy texture without the dairy.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh?

Yes, you can freeze Lamb Rogan Josh. Once it has cooled, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What Is The Difference Between Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh And Other Rogan Josh Recipes?

Jamie Oliver’s version of Lamb Rogan Josh focuses on fresh ingredients, such as ginger and garlic, along with a rich mix of spices. His recipe might also feature a lighter use of yogurt and tomato to create a balanced flavor, as opposed to other more traditional recipes that might use heavier cream and more intense heat.

Can I Use A Slow Cooker For Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for Jamie Oliver’s Lamb Rogan Josh. Simply follow the same steps to prepare the ingredients, then cook the dish on low for 6-8 hours or until the lamb is tender and fully cooked.