🍛 Rogan Josh Base Recipe

A deep-red, spiced curry base with authentic Kashmiri flavors — ideal for preparing Rogan Josh effortlessly at home.

🧂 Ingredients (Makes base for ~500g meat or veg)
2 tbsp mustard oil (or any cooking oil)

1 large onion, finely sliced

1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

½ cup thick curd (yogurt) – whisked

1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for rich color, not too spicy)

½ tsp regular red chili powder (optional, for heat)

1 tsp fennel seed powder (saunf)

1 tsp dry ginger powder (saunth)

½ tsp turmeric powder

Salt to taste

Water as needed

🌿 Whole Spices:
2 black cardamom pods

3–4 green cardamom pods

1 small cinnamon stick (cassia bark)

4–5 cloves

1 bay leaf

1 tsp cumin seeds

🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan until it begins to smoke slightly. Reduce heat.

Add whole spices and let them crackle.

Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

Step 2: Add Ginger-Garlic & Spices
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.

Lower heat and add whisked yogurt, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.

Mix in Kashmiri chili powder, fennel powder, dry ginger powder, turmeric, and salt.

Cook on medium-low flame until oil separates and the base becomes rich and aromatic (8–10 mins).

Step 3: Use or Store
This base is now ready to add your choice of:

Meat (like mutton or lamb) – add seared meat and simmer until tender.

Mushrooms, jackfruit, or tofu for vegetarian versions.

Add hot water to adjust consistency while simmering.

🫙 Storage Tips:
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freeze in portions for up to 1 month.

🧑🍳 Chef’s Tips:
Use Kashmiri red chili for color without overpowering heat.

Whisk curd well and add on low flame to avoid curdling.

For authentic flavor, don’t skip fennel and dry ginger — the soul of Kashmiri cuisine.

🌿 Welza Twist:
Create this dish using Welza Fennel Powder, Dry Ginger Powder, Cassia, Whole Cardamom, and Kashmiri Chili Powder for unmatched depth and color.