Lamb Rogan Josh

Ingredients

Spice mix

• 1/2 teaspoon cassia bark pieces
• 3 whole green cardamom pods
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 5 whole Kashmiri chilies 
• 1 whole black cardamom pod
• 2 teaspoons ground sweet paprika

Rogan josh

• 2 1/4 pounds boneless lamb shoulder or leg, marbled with fat
• 6 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
• 4 whole green cardamom pods
• 1 whole stick cinnamon
• 4 whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
• 1/4 cup hot chicken or lamb stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup Greek-style yogurt, at room temperature
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, plus more to taste
• Salt to taste
• Large handful fresh cilantro, chopped, to garnish

Method

1. First, make the spice mix. Toast each spice, one by one, for about 30 - 45 seconds in a dry skillet over high heat, and transfer to a bowl. Let cool completely, then blend to a fine powder in a spice grinder.
2. Trim the lamb of excess fat, and then cut into large chunks. Rub the spice mixture into the lamb.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven, and sear the lamb pieces on all sides, being careful not to burn the spices. Don't crowd the pan; do this in batches, if necessary. I prefer to do this on a medium-low heat. Transfer to a bowl.
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan, and add the whole cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns and fennel seeds. Sauté for 30 seconds, until the spices are fragrant, then add the hot stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for one minute.
5. Return the lamb to the pot. Whisk the cornstarch into the yogurt, then add this to the pot. Stir for a minute, and season with a little salt. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to very low. The sauce should barely be bubbling.
6. Cook for an hour. After an hour, uncover the pot. Taste and add a little more salt. Continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 2 hours or until the lamb is very tender and the sauce is reduced.
7. Meanwhile, heat the last 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy pan over low heat. Add the onions and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Caramelize the onions, stirring occasionally, until sweet and brown, about 40 minutes.
8. When the lamb is tender, stir in the onions, if using, and 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, sugar and red wine vinegar, as required to balance the flavors for a deeply spiced, rich sauce.