In a recent poll by Taste Atlas, India’s Rogan Josh and Galouti Kebab ranked 26th and 27th among the world’s top lamb dishes. Originating from Kashmir, Rogan Josh boasts fiery flavours and a vibrant red hue, influenced by Persian and Mughal cuisines. Meanwhile, Galouti Kebab, hailing from Lucknow, melts in the mouth, showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s rich culinary heritage.
Achappam, Gulab Jamun And More Make It To The World’s Top 50 Favourite DoughnutsTo the world, India is known as a haven for vegetarian cuisine. But along with the many dishes that champion the versatility of vegetables, there are also a host of unique non-vegetarian dishes with a rich history of their own which often don’t get as much attention. In a recent poll by digital food ranking platform
The top five spots were taken by Greece’s Paidakia, a dish of marinated lamb chops. Cag kebab, Doner Kebab and Adana Kebab, all from Turkey, with Spain’s Lecahzo coming in at the fifth spot.
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Let’s take a closer look at these two iconic dishes from North India.
Rogan Josh
Originating from Kashmir, Rogan Josh is known for its fiery flavours and bright red colour. The name itself, “Rogan” originates from Persian, where it means clarified butter or oil, while in Hindi, it translates to “red.” “Josh” signifies passion, often fiery or hot. Hence, rogan josh involves cooking in an oil-based sauce with intense heat. This dish found its way to Kashmir through the Mughals, who were influenced by Persian cuisine.
The dish was adapted from its original form to suit the unique palate and methods of Kashmir and despite the Kashmiri Brahmin menu typically being vegetarian, Rogan Josh found a place in the regular diet. Their version avoids onions and garlic, instead favouring fennel seeds and hing for flavour enhancement, resulting in a delightful infusion with the lamb. In contrast, the Mughal iteration boasts generous amounts of ginger and garlic.
Generally, rogan josh consists of lamb or goat that has been slow-cooked in oil, yoghurt and a mix of many different spices. Despite its intense red hue, it is usually not a particularly spicy curry. Rogan josh remains a common dish in Northern India and is a popular menu item at Indian restaurants in North America and Europe.
