Quick and Easy Beef Vindaloo
This Quick and Easy Beef Vindaloo recipe is a simplified yet flavorful take on the classic Indian dish, perfect for when you're craving something comforting without the wait. Living in Brooklyn, I found it challenging to discover authentic Indian cuisine, so I decided to recreate a spicy, tangy vindaloo right at home. Utilizing just one pot, this dish brings together tender beef chuck and a delightful array of spices, coconut milk, and tomato paste for a hearty meal. In under two hours, you can serve a dish that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant's offering, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether enjoyed alongside fragrant jasmine rice or your favorite naan, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors and comforting warmth.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef chuck
2 - 3 lbs (cut into chunks)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for cooking)
coconut milk
14 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (divided)
bay leaves
6 (whole)
yellow onion
1 small (diced)
sugar
2 tablespoons (for sweetness)
garlic powder
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
onion powder
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (fresh)
beef bouillon cubes
3 (for flavor)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (for heat)
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (for heat)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (for heat)
curry powder
3 tablespoons (for spice)
cumin
2 tablespoons (for warmth)
coriander
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
powdered ginger
1 tablespoon (for spice)
kosher salt
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
cinnamon stick
1 (optional)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Season the beef chuck generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper on all sides.
2
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3
Carefully add the beef to the pot and brown it on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Do not drain the grease as it adds flavor.
4
Once the beef is browned, lower the heat and stir in the coconut milk and half of the tomato paste.
5
Add all remaining ingredients except for the diced onion to the pot. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6
For a milder dish, consider adding either the optional cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon and an additional teaspoon of sugar.
7
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
After simmering, stir in the diced onion and continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes until the onions are tender.
9
Remove from heat, serve hot, and enjoy with jasmine rice to enhance the dish's flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Easy Beef Vindaloo?
It is a simplified yet flavorful take on the classic Indian dish, designed to be prepared in one pot in under two hours.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 pounds of beef chuck cut into chunks.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
The total simmering and browning time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it achievable in under two hours.
Is this beef vindaloo spicy?
Yes, it features a bold heat profile using chili powder, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How can I make this vindaloo milder?
To reduce the heat, you can add an optional cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon and an additional teaspoon of sugar.
What should I serve with beef vindaloo?
It is best enjoyed alongside fragrant jasmine rice or your favorite naan bread.
Should I drain the grease after browning the beef?
No, do not drain the grease as it adds essential flavor to the dish.
What type of oil is used for browning the meat?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How long should I brown the beef?
The beef should be browned on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat.
What liquids are used in the base of the sauce?
The sauce is built using 14 ounces of canned coconut milk and 6 ounces of tomato paste.
When do I add the diced onions?
Stir in the diced yellow onion after the initial 1 hour and 15 minutes of simmering.
Does the recipe require a specific type of pot?
A large Dutch oven or a heavy pot is recommended for even heat distribution.
How many bay leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 6 whole bay leaves.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, a cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon, and extra sugar are optional for those who want a milder flavor.
How much tomato paste is used?
A total of 6 ounces of tomato paste is used, divided during the cooking process.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, cover the pot for the first 1 hour and 15 minutes of simmering, then uncover for the final 15 minutes.
What spices are used for the vindaloo's warmth?
The recipe uses curry powder, cumin, coriander, and powdered ginger for its characteristic warmth and spice.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
Why are beef bouillon cubes added?
Three beef bouillon cubes are added to enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is a one-pot recipe, making cleanup quick and easy.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The base recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sugar for sweetness.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to season the beef chuck chunks generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
When is the dish ready to serve?
The dish is ready after the onions have cooked for 15 minutes and are tender.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 23 ingredients, including spices and optional items.
Does the recipe use fresh or powdered ginger?
This specific recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of powdered ginger.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning the beef.
Is thyme used in this Indian-inspired dish?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme is included for added flavor.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 1 small yellow onion, diced.
What type of pepper provides the most heat?
Cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes provide significant heat in this dish.
Can I use onion powder as well as fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe utilizes both 1 small diced yellow onion and 2 tablespoons of onion powder.