Authentic Indian Beef Rogan Josh Recipe

Ingredients

500g diced beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (or adjust to taste)
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef stock
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Salt, to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Steamed basmati rice, to serve
Naan bread, to serve

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add the diced beef to the pan and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and golden.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring well to combine with the onions.
Add in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and red chili powder. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices.
Return the beef to the pan and stir well to coat in the spice mixture.
Add the diced tomatoes and beef stock to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Stir in the plain yogurt and season with salt to taste.
Garnish the beef rogan josh with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Serve the beef rogan josh with steamed basmati rice and naan bread on the side.

Tools for making

Large saucepan - Used to cook the beef and sauce.
Cutting board - Used to chop the onions and garlic.
Knife - Used to dice the beef and chop the onions and garlic.
Grater - Used to grate the fresh ginger.
Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the spices.
Stirring spoon - Used to stir the ingredients in the pan.
Can opener - Used to open the can of diced tomatoes.
Cover or lid - Used to cover the saucepan while simmering the beef.
Serving dish - Used to present the finished beef rogan josh.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the beef with a plant-based protein substitute like tofu or seitan.
Lamb Rogan Josh: Substitute lamb meat for beef for a different flavor profile.
Chicken Rogan Josh: Replace the beef with chicken pieces for a lighter version.
Seafood Rogan Josh: Use seafood such as shrimp or fish instead of beef.
Spicier Version: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies for extra heat.
Creamy Rogan Josh: Stir in some heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener instead of regular flour.
Additional Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the dish for added texture and flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs such as mint or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Smoked Rogan Josh: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to impart a smoky flavor.

Recipe overview

Dive into the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this Beef Rogan Josh recipe. This dish is a savory delight, characterized by tender chunks of beef enveloped in a spicy and aromatic sauce. The unique blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, imparts an irresistible depth of flavor to the dish. The recipe involves simmering the beef along with tomatoes and a medley of spices, resulting in a dish that's both hearty and comforting. To top it all off, a dollop of plain yogurt is added towards the end for a tangy kick. Serve this Beef Rogan Josh with steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is straightforward and manageable, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal. Get ready for a mouthwatering journey to the heart of Indian cooking!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use lamb or chicken instead of beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?
Yes, you can use ground spices instead of whole spices. Use approximately half the amount of ground spices compared to whole spices.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the browned beef and sautéed onions to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to develop even more after a day or two. Simply reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of red chili powder or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder version. Feel free to customize the spiciness to your taste.
Can I substitute yogurt with coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute plain yogurt with coconut milk for a creamy and slightly different flavor profile. Use the same amount as mentioned in the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - For chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
Chef's knife - To dice the beef and chop ingredients.
Large saucepan - To cook the beef rogan josh.
Wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the spices.
Can opener - To open the can of diced tomatoes.
Cooking spoon - To stir the beef while it simmers.
Lid - To cover the saucepan while simmering the beef.
Serving platter - To present the beef rogan josh.
Soup ladle - To serve the beef rogan josh onto plates.

Origin stories

Rogan Josh is a fragrant and hearty dish that hails from the beautiful region of Kashmir in Northern India. The name itself, often intriguing to many, carries a tale of its ingredients and making. 'Rogan' means oil in Persian, while 'Josh' means heat or passionate cooking. The dish, known for its robust flavors and deep red color, was brought to India by the Mughals, whose cuisine was in turn influenced by Persian cuisine. The traditional preparation involves slow cooking of meat in oil and spices, which imparts the dish with its signature depth of flavors. The vibrant red color, often mistaken to be a result of fiery chilies, is in fact a consequence of a unique Kashmiri ingredient - the 'Ratan Jot' or Alkanet root. This ingredient, along with others like fennel and ginger powder, gives the dish its distinct character, making it a cherished part of the Indian culinary legacy.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.