Caribbean Zesty Beef Curry
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this exquisite Zesty Beef Curry. Originating from the West Indian culinary tradition, this dish uniquely combines fragrant spices such as cinnamon, anise, and turmeric, omitting the typical chili for a sweeter balance. Feel free to amp up the heat with Scotch bonnet peppers or hot sauce for those who crave a fiery kick. Crafted for the culinary enthusiast, this dish showcases a method where the beef is gently reheated in a rich, flavorful curry sauce, making it an ideal choice for elegant gatherings and dinner parties. Authentic West Indian sweet potatoes, or boniato, lend a distinct texture but can be substituted with regular sweet potatoes if necessary. Perfectly hearty and aromatic, this Caribbean-inspired curry is sure to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coriander seeds
2 tablespoons (Whole)
Anise or fennel seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (Whole)
Black mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon (Optional, whole)
Cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon (Whole)
Jamaican allspice
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Turmeric
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
Beef sirloin or tenderloin
2 lbs (Cut into 2-inch cubes)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Chopped onion
1 cup (Fresh)
Red pepper
1/2 (Diced)
Yellow pepper
1/2 (Diced)
Sweet potato
1 small (Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Chopped tomatoes
1 cup (Fresh or canned)
Beef or chicken stock
2 cups (For cooking)
Lime juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Fresh coriander
1/4 cup (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a dry skillet over medium heat, combine coriander seeds, anise (or fennel), black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and Jamaican allspice. Stir the seeds until they become fragrant, then remove from heat and grind them in a spice grinder. Stir in the turmeric and ground cinnamon to create the curry blend.
2
Dredge the beef cubes with 1 tablespoon of the prepared curry mixture, reserving the rest for later use. Season the meat generously with salt.
3
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or sauté pan over high heat. Working in batches, add the seasoned beef to the hot oil, searing it until browned on all sides (about 4 minutes per batch). Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. The beef should still be rare.
4
If needed, add a bit more oil to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, diced red and yellow peppers, cubed sweet potato, and another tablespoon of the spice mixture. Sauté the mixture until the onions soften, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, bringing everything to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the sweet potato is tender. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice.
6
When you are ready to serve, reintroduce the reserved beef to the sauce, allowing them to simmer together for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the beef is heated through and slightly more cooked. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Zesty Beef Curry?
It is a vibrant West Indian dish that combines fragrant spices like cinnamon, anise, and turmeric with beef and sweet potatoes for a hearty, aromatic meal.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from the West Indian culinary tradition.
Is this beef curry spicy?
The base recipe omits typical chili for a sweeter balance, making it fragrant rather than hot, though heat can be added if desired.
How can I add heat to this curry?
You can add Scotch bonnet peppers or your favorite hot sauce to create a fiery kick.
What spices are in the homemade curry blend?
The blend includes coriander seeds, anise or fennel seeds, black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, Jamaican allspice, turmeric, and ground cinnamon.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
Beef sirloin or tenderloin is recommended for the best results.
How should the beef be prepared?
The beef should be cut into 2-inch cubes and dredged in a portion of the spice mixture before searing.
What is a boniato?
Boniato is an authentic West Indian sweet potato known for its distinct texture.
Can I substitute regular sweet potatoes for boniato?
Yes, regular sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute if boniato is unavailable.
How do I toast the spices?
Combine the seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir until they become fragrant before grinding them.
What size should the sweet potato cubes be?
The sweet potato should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Why is the beef seared at a high heat?
High heat is used to brown the beef quickly on all sides while keeping the interior rare.
How long does it take to sear the beef?
It takes about 4 minutes per batch to brown the beef cubes.
What vegetables are used in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, red and yellow bell peppers, and chopped tomatoes.
Can I use chicken stock instead of beef stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 cups of beef or chicken stock.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 20 minutes until it thickens and the sweet potatoes are tender.
When is the lime juice added?
Stir in the 2 tablespoons of lime juice just before you are ready to serve the dish.
How is the beef finished in the sauce?
The rare beef is reintroduced to the sauce and simmered for 5 to 8 minutes until heated through.
What is the best garnish for this curry?
Freshly chopped coriander is the recommended garnish.
Is this dish suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, its elegant presentation and complex flavors make it ideal for gatherings and dinner parties.
Are the black mustard seeds mandatory?
No, the black mustard seeds are listed as an optional ingredient.
Should the tomatoes be fresh or canned?
You can use either fresh or canned chopped tomatoes.
What type of allspice is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground Jamaican allspice.
How much oil is used for cooking?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, with more added if needed during cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 18 specific ingredients used in this recipe.
Why is the beef removed from the pan after searing?
Removing the beef prevents it from overcooking while the vegetables and sauce simmer.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Simmering the sauce for the recommended 20 minutes should naturally thicken it as the sweet potatoes cook.
What color peppers are used in the curry?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a red pepper and 1/2 of a yellow pepper for color and flavor.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Salt is used 'to taste' to season the beef and the overall dish.
Can I use a spice grinder for the whole seeds?
Yes, a spice grinder is recommended to grind the coriander, anise, mustard, and cumin seeds after toasting.