Nairobi-Style Ground Beef Curry
Experience a taste of Nairobi with this delightful Ground Beef Curry, also known as Kima Curry. Inspired by a popular dish served at a renowned restaurant in the heart of the city's vibrant culinary scene, this recipe is designed to retain the authentic flavors of Swahili cuisine. Mild yet rich, this curry features tender ground beef simmered with fragrant spices, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or warm chapatis, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion, sliced
1 cup (sliced)
lean ground beef
1 lb (none)
curry powder
1/2 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves, crushed
5 (crushed)
gingerroot, crushed
1 tablespoon (crushed)
medium tomatoes, sliced
3 (sliced)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon (chopped)
water
1/2 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
3
Stir in the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4
Add the curry powder, crushed garlic, and ginger, mixing well and frying for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
5
Incorporate the sliced tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Cook for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
6
Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, chopped cilantro, and season with salt to taste.
7
Pour in the water, stirring to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
8
Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
9
Serve the curry hot over steamed rice or alongside warm chapatis for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nairobi-Style Ground Beef Curry?
Nairobi-Style Ground Beef Curry, also known as Kima Curry, is a mild and rich dish inspired by the vibrant culinary scene of Nairobi and traditional Swahili cuisine.
What are the primary ingredients in this Kima Curry?
The main ingredients include lean ground beef, onions, tomatoes, curry powder, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, ground cinnamon, and fresh cilantro.
Is this ground beef curry spicy?
This recipe is designed to be mild yet rich in flavor, making it suitable for those who prefer fragrant spices without intense heat.
What should I serve with Nairobi-Style Ground Beef Curry?
This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or warm chapatis for a complete and comforting meal.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The ground beef should be browned in a skillet for approximately 6 to 8 minutes before adding other seasonings.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The curry should be covered and simmered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How many garlic cloves are required?
This recipe calls for 5 crushed garlic cloves to provide a robust aromatic base.
What type of tomatoes are best for this curry?
The recipe specifies using 3 medium-sized sliced tomatoes along with a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, after browning the lean ground beef, you should drain any excess fat before adding the spices.
How much curry powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 tablespoon of curry powder.
What preparation is needed for the ginger?
You should use 1 tablespoon of crushed gingerroot.
Is cinnamon used in this Swahili-style curry?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is added to enhance the depth of flavor.
How much water is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to create the sauce base.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
The sliced onions should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.
When do I add the cilantro?
Chopped cilantro is added along with the ground cinnamon and salt before pouring in the water.
Can I use this recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, its mild flavor and comforting nature make it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sliced onion.
What is the recommended cooking heat for simmering?
After adding water, the heat should be reduced to medium-low for the 20-minute simmering process.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, perfect for weekend gatherings or busy weeknights.
How much oil is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of oil for sautéing the ingredients.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and adds a concentrated tomato flavor to the curry.
Do I need to stir the curry while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the curry occasionally while it is covered and simmering for 20 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this Nairobi-Style Ground Beef Curry.
Is the beef broken up during cooking?
Yes, the instructions state to break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon while browning.
What is the role of garlic and ginger in this dish?
Garlic and ginger are fried with the curry powder for 2 minutes to release their fragrant flavors.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The 3 medium tomatoes should be sliced before being incorporated into the skillet.
Is salt added to this recipe?
Yes, salt is added to taste along with the cinnamon and cilantro.
What is the texture of the finished curry?
The finished curry features tender ground beef in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Can I find these ingredients at a local grocery store?
Yes, the ingredients like ground beef, curry powder, and fresh produce are standard pantry and grocery staples.