Ingredients

• 1 kg mutton (goat meat), bone-in pieces
• 4 tbsp mustard oil
• 2 cups water (approx.)

• 1½ cups thick yogurt (curd), whisked
• 2 tbsp Kashmiri red chilli powder

• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cloves
• 4 green cardamom
• 1 black cardamom
• 1 inch cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp fennel powder
• 1 tsp dry ginger powder
• ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Ingredients: Follow the list above.
2. Prepare the Mutton: Wash the mutton thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Bone-in pieces are preferred for authentic flavour.
3. Heat Mustard Oil: Heat mustard oil in a heavy pan until it smokes lightly, then reduce heat. This removes raw bitterness.
4. Add Whole Spices: Add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Let them crackle and release aroma.
5. Brown the Mutton: Add mutton pieces and sear on high heat until lightly browned on all sides.
6. Add Yogurt Mixture: Lower the heat and add whisked yogurt mixed with Kashmiri chilli powder in batches, stirring continuously.
7. Add Dry Spices: Add fennel powder, dry ginger powder, hing, and salt. Cook until oil starts separating.
8. Slow Cook: Add water, cover, and simmer on low heat for 60–70 minutes until mutton becomes tender and gravy thickens.
9. Rest & Serve: Let the curry rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavours to settle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Kashmiri flavours
• No onion or tomato base
• Rich colour without extreme heat
• Slow-cooked tender mutton
• Perfect for festive meals

Common Mistakes

• Adding yogurt on high flame
• Skipping mustard oil smoking step
• Using regular chilli powder
• Rushing the cooking process

Variations

Kashmiri Pandit Style: No garlic or onions.
Kashmiri Muslim Style: Garlic can be added lightly.
Pressure Cooker: Cook for 6 whistles for quicker version.

Personal Note

Rogan Josh taught me that great flavour doesn’t always need complexity. The gentle spices, yogurt, and slow cooking create magic without overpowering the dish. It’s a recipe I make when I want something soulful and traditional.