Authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh Recipe – Traditional Mutton Curry at Home with an Induction Cooker

Rogan Josh is a renowned Kashmiri dish that epitomizes culinary excellence. It includes a fragrant lamb curry that is marinated in yogurt and slow-cooked with spices and herbs, yielding incredibly tender and juicy slices of meat, all enveloped in a rich sauce. 

It can be served alongside steamed basmati rice, saffron rice, turmeric rice, chapati, tandoori roti, butter naan, or sheermal.

It is regarded as the highlight of the Wazwaan (Kashmiri cuisine)  

Traditionally slow-cooked over wood fire or charcoal, this dish may seem intimidating for home cooks. But what if we told you that you can recreate this restaurant-style masterpiece right in your kitchen, using a modern induction cooker?

This blog teaches you how Glen's induction cooktop takes the traditional slow cooking method of Rogan Josh to create an easy and efficient version.

What is Kashmiri Rogan Josh?

Rogan Josh is a proud part of Kashmiri Wazwan — the elaborate feast prepared for special occasions in Kashmir. The term Rogan Josh comes from two Persian words: ‘Rogan’ meaning oil, and ‘Josh’ meaning intense heat. Together, it loosely translates to “oil cooked on intense heat.”

Despite its hotheaded name this food does not reach spicy levels. Kashmiri dry red chillies provide the dish with color and deep complex flavor without creating any burning sensation. The rich mutton stew soaks in perfumed fennel and dry ginger and cardamom and cinnamon elements as it simmers slowly with its tender cuts of meat before it reaches a velvety texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Rogan Josh

Credits: Canva

This version sticks closely to the traditional Kashmiri Pandit style, which uses no onions or garlic. However, you can add them if preferred.

For the Mutton Marinade:

• 500g mutton (preferably bone-in pieces)
• 200g curd (full-fat, whisked till smooth)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp salt

Whole Spices:

• 4 green cardamoms
• 2 black cardamoms
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves

Ground Spices:

• 2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder (for colour, not heat)
• 1 tsp fennel powder
• 1 tsp dry ginger powder
• ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
  
  

Other Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp mustard oil (or ghee)
• ½ cup water (or as needed)
• Salt to taste
  
  

Step-by-Step Recipe on Glen Induction Cooker

Credits: Glen India

Let’s get cooking! Plug in your Glen induction cooker and set a heavy-bottomed induction-compatible pot or pressure cooker on it.

Step 1: Marinate the Mutton

Start by mixing the curd, turmeric, and salt with the mutton. Massage well and let it rest for 30 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but helps it absorb the flavours later during cooking.

Pro Tip: Glen’s portable induction cookers often come with a timer. While your meat marinates, you can preheat the cooking vessel using the "Keep Warm" or low heat setting — perfect for speeding up your process.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Set the induction cooker to medium heat (around 800W–1000W depending on the model). Pour mustard oil into the pot and let it heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Then lower the heat and let it cool just a bit.

Mustard oil lends a distinct flavour to Rogan Josh. Smoking it reduces its pungency while keeping the aroma intact.

Step 3: Add Whole Spices

Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon. Let them splutter and release their aroma — about 30–40 seconds.

Why Glen Helps Here: Since induction provides instant heat adjustments, you won’t burn the spices. You can quickly reduce the heat with a tap, unlike traditional stoves.

Step 4: Introduce Asafoetida and Marinated Mutton

Add hing and then immediately add the marinated mutton pieces to the hot oil and spices. Sear the meat on high heat (use "Fry" or 1200–1400W setting) for about 6–7 minutes until it turns brown and starts releasing its juices.

Keep stirring gently to avoid burning the curd.

Step 5: Add Ground Spices

Lower the heat (around 700W) and add Kashmiri red chilli powder, fennel powder, and dry ginger powder. Stir for a minute or two, making sure the spices don’t burn. You should start seeing the famous rogan — the rich red oil — rise to the top.

Step 6: Add Water and Simmer

Add about ½ cup warm water and salt. Mix well. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.

You can also pressure cook the meat for quicker results (1–2 whistles), then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Why Glen’s Induction Cooker Shines: With its even and consistent heat, your meat won’t stick to the bottom. Plus, the timer feature lets you walk away while the curry simmers peacefully — no babysitting needed.

Step 7: Optional – Finish with Garam Masala

If you like a deeper, slightly more aromatic finish, add garam masala just before switching off the heat.

Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Rogan Josh?

Pair your Kashmiri Rogan Josh with:

• Steamed basmati rice – a classic
• Kashmiri pulao – if you want something a bit richer
• Sheermal or naan – for a festive touch

And don’t forget a light cucumber raita on the side to balance the warmth of the spices.

Why Choose Glen’s Induction Cooker for This Dish?

Credits: Glen India

Traditionally, Rogan Josh is slow-cooked in copper pots over a wood fire for hours. That’s not practical for most modern Indian homes. But Glen’s induction cookers offer a brilliant solution:

• Precise Temperature Control: With digital settings, Glen’s induction cookers let you maintain low, even heat for hours, which is essential for developing the complex flavours of Rogan Josh.
• Energy Efficient: Induction uses magnetic energy to heat only the pan, not the entire cooktop. This ensures faster cooking without heat loss.
• Safe & Smart Cooking: No open flames, automatic shut-offs, and easy-to-clean surfaces make Glen induction cookers a smart choice for everyday use.
• Portability: Whether you’re in a small kitchen, a hostel, or simply trying to save gas, Glen’s induction cookers are perfect.

Now that your Glen induction cooker is ready, let’s dive into the actual recipe.

Tips to Make it Perfect Every Time

Credits: Canva

1. Choose the Right Cut

Bone-in goat meat or lamb works best. Shoulder cuts have just the right amount of fat and connective tissue, which breaks down into succulent bites during slow cooking.

2. Don’t Skip Fennel and Dry Ginger

These are essential to the unique flavour of Rogan Josh. They lend a cooling and earthy undertone, balancing the richness of the oil and meat.

3. Use Good Quality Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder

This gives the curry its signature colour without making it too spicy. Avoid regular red chilli if you want the traditional look and feel.

4. Slow Simmer Is Key

If you’re not using a pressure cooker, give the dish time. Let the meat gently stew in its own juices. Glen’s induction cookers are built for just that — steady heat without gas wastage.

The Glen Advantage in Everyday Cooking

While Rogan Josh is a special dish, Glen’s induction cookers are great for everyday meals too. From boiling milk to deep frying pakoras, from slow-cooking dals to making crispy dosas — it’s a compact, energy-efficient powerhouse.

Features that stand out:

• Feather-touch controls
• Overheat protection
• Pre-set menus
• Cool-to-touch surface
• Sleek, modern design that fits every kitchen

So whether you’re a beginner cook, a student living away from home, or someone who enjoys experimenting with regional Indian dishes — Glen’s induction cookers make your culinary journey simpler and smarter.

In Conclusion

Recreating an authentic Kashmiri Rogan Josh doesn’t require a traditional hearth or hours of standing by a stove. With Glen’s induction cooker, you get all the richness of slow cooking without the fuss.

It’s amazing how a modern appliance can help you connect with a centuries-old recipe. With just a little planning and the right tools, you can bring the essence of Kashmir to your table — fragrant, flavourful, and full of tradition.

So go ahead, bring out your favourite pot, gather your spices, and let your Glen induction cooker take care of the rest. One spoonful of that ruby red Rogan Josh, and you’ll know — cooking magic isn’t just about where you cook, it’s about how you cook.

Looking to upgrade your kitchen game? Explore Glen India’s  full range of smart kitchen appliances — where tradition meets technology.