Description
Hearty Indian beef curry brings warmth and spice to dinner tables with rich, aromatic flavors that dance across palates. Tender meat simmered in complex spices promises a culinary journey through traditional Indian kitchens you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (or a mix of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Vegetable and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounces / 400 milliliters) can coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth (or water)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- ½ cup (75 grams) frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Initiate the meat preparation by searing seasoned beef chunks in a heated, oiled skillet until each piece develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Remove the browned meat and reserve for later incorporation.
- Reduce the skillet’s temperature and gently caramelize chopped onions until they become translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing their aromatic essences to permeate the cooking surface.
- Sprinkle an array of spices – curry powder, garam masala, paprika, and optional cayenne – directly into the aromatic mixture. Toast these spices briefly to unlock their deep, complex flavors and create a fragrant base.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, and savory beef broth. Reintroduce the seared meat into this liquid foundation, ensuring even distribution. Lower the heat, cover, and allow the curry to gently simmer and tenderize.
- After approximately one hour of slow cooking, incorporate diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Continue simmering until the vegetables soften and the meat becomes meltingly tender. Introduce green peas during the final cooking moments for a burst of color and freshness.
- Carefully taste the curry, adjusting seasonings with salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Present the rich, aromatic curry atop steamed rice, accompanied by warm naan bread or a crisp side salad. Invite diners to savor this deeply satisfying, spice-laden dish.
Notes
- Achieve tender beef by selecting cuts like chuck or short ribs that have good marbling and break down beautifully during slow cooking.
- Control heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, making the curry mild or spicy according to personal preference and tolerance.
- Enhance depth of flavor by toasting whole spices instead of pre-ground powders, which can significantly elevate the curry’s aromatic profile.
- Create a lighter version by substituting beef with chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for diverse dietary needs while maintaining the rich, complex spice blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg