Authentic Masaman Beef Curry
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Authentic Masaman Beef Curry, a delightful Thai dish that beautifully marries tender stewing beef with hearty potatoes and a vibrant blend of spices. Originating from Muslim traditions, this curry features the unique taste of Masaman curry paste, savory coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness from sugar and tamarind pulp. Perfect for a cozy evening, it's best served with steamed rice or a refreshing cold cucumber salad that wonderfully complements the warm, spiced notes of the curry. Share a taste of Thailand with family and friends through this delicious recipe!
2
Servings
340
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
2 medium (peeled and cut into 1" cubes)
stewing beef
1/2 lb (cut into 1" cubes)
white onion
1 large (cut into 1" cubes)
coconut milk
1/2 cup (canned, shaken well)
masaman curry paste
1 tablespoon (store-bought)
water
1/2 cup (more if needed)
ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
sugar
2 tablespoons (white or brown)
tamarind pulp
1 tablespoon (softened)
cinnamon stick
1 (whole)
salt
2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
peanuts
1/4 cup (unsalted, roughly chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into large chunks, approximately 1 inch by 1 inch.
2
Next, cut the stewing beef and white onion into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3
In a medium pot, heat the coconut milk over medium-low heat. Add the masaman curry paste and stir continuously, breaking up the paste to blend it well with the coconut milk. This should take about 5 minutes until the oil begins to bubble to the surface.
4
Once the curry paste is fragrant and the oil is visible, add the beef to the pot. Stir well to coat the meat in the curry mixture, then pour in the half-cup of water, or enough to cover the beef completely.
5
Add the ground cardamom, bay leaves, sugar, tamarind pulp, cinnamon stick, and salt to the pot. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
6
Cover the pot and let the curry simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beef begins to tenderize.
7
Add the prepared potato chunks, onion pieces, and peanuts. Stir gently and allow the curry to simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the consistency has thickened. If the liquid appears too low, add a splash more water as needed.
8
When ready to serve, ladle the hot Masaman Beef Curry into bowls. For an extra touch, it pairs wonderfully with a side of 'Cold Cucumber in Vinegar' salad or a bed of fluffy rice.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Masaman Beef Curry?
Authentic Masaman Beef Curry is a rich, aromatic Thai dish featuring tender stewing beef, potatoes, and a blend of spices like cardamom and cinnamon in a coconut milk base.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of stewing beef, which is cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure it becomes tender during the simmering process.
How many servings does this Masaman Beef Curry recipe make?
This recipe is specifically designed to provide 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 340 calories.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
Potatoes should be peeled and cut into large chunks, roughly 1-inch by 1-inch cubes.
Is Masaman curry very spicy?
Masaman curry is known for being more aromatic and warm than fiery, featuring sweet and savory notes rather than intense heat.
What role does coconut milk play in this recipe?
Coconut milk provides a creamy base and is used to fry the curry paste until the oil bubbles to the surface, which develops the flavor.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of either white or brown sugar to achieve the signature sweetness.
What is tamarind pulp used for?
Tamarind pulp adds a necessary tangy note that balances the richness of the coconut milk and the sweetness of the sugar.
What are the key spices in Masaman curry?
The primary spices include Masaman curry paste, ground cardamom, bay leaves, and a whole cinnamon stick.
How long does the beef need to simmer initially?
The beef should be covered and simmered for about 30 minutes until it begins to tenderize.
When do I add the peanuts and potatoes?
The peanuts, potatoes, and onions are added after the initial 30-minute simmer and cooked for an additional 20 minutes.
What should I serve with Masaman Beef Curry?
It is best served with fluffy steamed rice or a refreshing 'Cold Cucumber in Vinegar' salad.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 22.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes, it uses coconut milk and contains no dairy products.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There are 5g of fiber per serving.
Can I add more water if the curry is too thick?
Yes, if the liquid appears too low during the final simmer, you can add a splash more water as needed.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for one large white onion, cut into 1-inch cubes.
Do I need to use whole bay leaves?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 whole bay leaves to infuse the curry with flavor.
How do I prepare the peanuts?
You should use 1/4 cup of unsalted peanuts that are roughly chopped.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does it take to fry the curry paste?
It takes about 5 minutes of continuous stirring until the oil begins to bubble to the surface.
What is the origin of Masaman Curry?
Masaman curry originates from Muslim traditions in Thailand and is unique for its use of dry spices.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of salt, though you can adjust it to your personal taste.
What is the preparation for the cardamom?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom for maximum flavor.
Is the Masaman curry paste store-bought or homemade?
This specific recipe is designed to work with store-bought Masaman curry paste.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There is 7.5g of sugar in each serving.
How large should the beef pieces be?
The stewing beef should be cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and a good mouthfeel.
Can I use coconut cream instead of milk?
The recipe calls for canned coconut milk (shaken well), but you can use cream for a richer, thicker consistency.