Keralan Dry Beef Curry

👉 INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp. sunflower oil

300gms shallots or white onions, finely sliced

500gms beef stewing steak or diced rump

2 small cherry tomatoes, finely sliced

2 tbsp coconut oil

20 fresh curry leaves (dried if not)

 

👉 Whole Spices

2 cinnamon sticks

3 cloves

5 green cardamom

2 tbsp fennel seeds

Dry roast on low-medium heat for 2-3 mins to release its flavour. Remove from the heat, allow to cool. Blend to a fine powder.

 

👉 Make a Paste

2 inch piece of fresh ginger

5 garlic cloves

2 green finger chillies

Blend to a smooth paste adding a tbsp water to loose the mixture. Set aside

 

👉 Powdered Spices

1 tbsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp red chilli powder

 

👉 METHOD

1. Marinate the beef with the blended whole spices and the powdered spices. Set aside for about 30 mins.

2. Fry half (150g) of the onion with a tbsp of oil until golden brown. Set aside.

3. Place a heavy bottomed pan over a medium heat.

4. Add 2 tbsp of coconut oil and the marinated beef.

5. Add the blended paste of ginger, garlic and green chilli.

6. Add the tomatoes, the remaining half of the onions.

7. Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook on low heat for 45 mins. If you feel that the mixture is a little add 50ml water and stir. Replace the lid and continue to cook.

8. If however you are from India like me, and you are using an old family pressure cooker,  it’s 2 whistles, and your meat is cooked!! 🤣 Set aside.

9. In a frying pan, over a medium heat heat a tbsp oil.

10. Add the fried onions and the curry leaves and sauté for 2 mins.

11. Transfer the meat into the pan with the onions and curry leaves and fry for 10-15 mins stirring every now and then until any extra moisture has evaporated.

🍚 🫓 Enjoy with a portion of steaming hot rice or fresh chapatis.