Rogan Josh Masala is a dish-specific Kashmiri spice blend for rich, aromatic lamb or chicken curry — one of India's most celebrated dishes, ready in about 45 minutes with one pre-measured packet.
What Is Rogan Josh?
Rogan Josh is the crown jewel of Kashmiri cuisine — a slow-simmered curry with deep red color, complex aromatics, and a warmth that builds gently rather than hitting you with heat. The name comes from Persian: "rogan" (oil/fat) and "josh" (heat/passion). Traditionally made with lamb, it works beautifully with chicken or beef too.
Unlike many Indian curries that rely on tomato and onion bases, authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh gets its flavor from the spice blend itself — fennel, cardamom, Kashmiri chili, and dry ginger create a unique flavor profile you won't find in any other Indian dish.
How to Cook Rogan Josh
Ingredients
- 1 packet moji masala® Rogan Josh Masala
- 3 lbs lamb leg or chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- ½ cup full-fat plain yogurt
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step
- Brown the meat: Heat oil in a heavy pot. Brown the meat in batches — don't crowd the pan. Set aside.
- Cook onions: In the same pot, cook sliced onions until deep golden, about 8 minutes.
- Add spices: Add the entire moji masala® Rogan Josh packet. Stir for 1 minute to bloom.
- Add yogurt: Stir in yogurt one tablespoon at a time (prevents curdling).
- Return meat: Add the browned meat back. Add ½ cup water.
- Slow simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 35–45 minutes (lamb) or 25–30 minutes (chicken) until tender.
Serve with steamed basmati rice and warm naan.
Flavor Profile
Rich, aromatic, and warming — not fiery. Kashmiri chili provides deep red color with mild heat, while fennel and cardamom add the distinctive Kashmiri sweetness. It's a layered, complex flavor that develops as it simmers.
Tips and Variations
- Low and slow wins: Don't rush the simmer — the longer it cooks (within reason), the more tender the meat and deeper the flavor
- Use bone-in meat: Bones add richness to the sauce
- Make it ahead: Rogan Josh tastes better the next day — the spices meld overnight
- Beef works too: Use chuck roast, cut into cubes, and extend cooking time to 60 minutes
Why Choose moji masala® Rogan Josh Masala?
This is our signature blend — the dish that started moji masala®. Based on the recipe Shireen Qadri's mother (moji) made in their Kashmiri kitchen. Gluten-free, no fillers, no MSG. Featured in Forbes, Food & Wine, and New York Magazine.
Shop Rogan Josh Masala → | Watch the cooking video →
