Rogan Josh Curry Paste

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Anna Middleton (@chefanna)

A flavorful and aromatic curry paste used in the traditional Indian dish Rogan Josh.

Rogan Josh Curry Paste recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1/4 cup)

Whole Spices

  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tbsp
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    1tbsp
  • fennel seeds
    fennel seeds
    1tbsp
  • green cardamom pods
    green cardamom pods
    4piece
  • cinnamon stick
    cinnamon stick
    1piece
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    6piece

Other Ingredients

  • Kashmiri chilli powder
    Kashmiri chilli powder
    1tbsp
  • red chillies (chopped)
    red chillies (chopped)
    4piece
  • paprika powder
    paprika powder
    1tbsp
  • onion (finely chopped)
    onion (finely chopped)
    1cup
  • garlic (minced)
    garlic (minced)
    1tbsp
  • ginger (minced)
    ginger (minced)
    2tbsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1tbsp
  • chopped tomatoes
    chopped tomatoes
    1can
  • vegetable oil
    vegetable oil
    2tbsp
  • Salt & pepper to taste
    Salt & pepper to taste

How to make Rogan Josh Curry Paste

Prepare Whole Spices

  1. Step 1

    Heat a pan to medium heat, add all the whole spices to roast until you smell the aroma. Remove them from the pan.

  2. Step 2

    Place the roasted spices into a blender and grind until you get a fine powder.

Cook the Paste

  1. Step 1

    Heat the pan again and add the vegetable oil, then add the onions and curry leaves. Sauté until onions are golden brown.

  2. Step 2

    Add the ground spices, chilli powder, turmeric, and paprika. Sauté for about 1 minute, then add a little water to prevent the spices from burning.

  3. Step 3

    Cook the spices for about 5 minutes, adding a little water as needed.

  4. Step 4

    Add the tomatoes, fresh chilli, garlic, and ginger. Mix well, then turn the heat down to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

  5. Step 5

    Add your curry paste back in the blender and blend until you get a smooth paste.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

137.5kcal (6.88%)

Protein

2.5g (5%)

Carbs

11.3g (4.09%)

Sugars

2.5g (5%)

Healthy Fat

7.6g

Unhealthy Fat

1.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Roasting the whole spices enhances their flavor, so don't skip this step.

  2. Adjust the amount of red chillies and chilli powder based on your spice preference.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Rogan Josh curry paste vegan or vegetarian?

    To make Rogan Josh curry paste vegan or vegetarian, simply ensure that all ingredients are plant-based. The recipe already uses vegetable oil, and you can substitute any meat-based components with vegetables or legumes. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and aromatic curry that fits your dietary preferences.

  2. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Rogan Josh curry paste?

    If you don't have certain spices on hand, you can substitute cumin seeds with ground cumin, coriander seeds with ground coriander, and Kashmiri chili powder with regular chili powder or paprika for a milder flavor. Just remember that these substitutions may slightly alter the flavor profile of your Rogan Josh curry paste.

  3. How should I store leftover Rogan Josh curry paste?

    To store leftover Rogan Josh curry paste, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the paste in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a zip-top bag, allowing you to use small portions as needed in future recipes.

  4. What dishes pair well with Rogan Josh curry paste?

    Rogan Josh curry paste pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber raita or a simple salad to balance the rich flavors of the curry. These pairings enhance the overall dining experience and complement the aromatic spices.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Rogan Josh using this curry paste?

    To make Rogan Josh using this curry paste, first, sauté your choice of meat or vegetables in a pan. Then, add the prepared curry paste and cook for a few minutes. Next, add water or broth to achieve your desired consistency and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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