Savory Beef Curry Delight
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Savory Beef Curry Delight. This hearty dish combines tender stewing beef with a medley of spices, resulting in a comforting meal perfect for sharing. Slowly simmered to allow the spices to meld beautifully, this curry is not only delicious but also offers a warming experience for any occasion. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan to soak up every drop of its flavorful sauce. Your family and friends will keep coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Onion
1 (sliced thin)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons
Stewing Beef
2 lbs (cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
Canned Tomatoes
1 lb (chopped coarse, including juice)
Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon
Turmeric
1 tablespoon
Ground Coriander
1 teaspoon
Allspice
1 teaspoon
Fenugreek Seeds
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Apricot Jam
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over moderate heat.
2
Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to moderate-high and add the cubed stewing beef. Sear the meat until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, including their juice, along with the ground cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, allspice, fenugreek seeds, ground cloves, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
5
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet, letting it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
After an hour, add 1 cup of water and the apricot jam to the mixture. Stir to combine, then cover and continue to simmer for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors are well developed.
7
Once ready, taste and adjust seasoning as desired, then serve warm over rice or with naan bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef Curry Delight?
Savory Beef Curry Delight is a hearty and aromatic dish that combines tender stewing beef with a rich medley of spices, including cumin, turmeric, and coriander, simmered slowly to create a comforting meal.
What type of beef is best for this curry recipe?
The recipe calls for stewing beef, specifically cut into 3/4 inch cubes. This cut is ideal for slow simmering, as it becomes fork-tender over the long cooking period.
How long does it take to cook this beef curry?
The total simmering time is between 2 to 3 hours. First, you simmer for 1 hour after adding tomatoes and spices, then for another 1 to 2 hours after adding water and jam.
What is the secret ingredient in Savory Beef Curry Delight?
A unique addition to this recipe is 2 tablespoons of apricot jam, which adds a subtle sweetness and helps balance the earthy spices while thickening the sauce.
Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Is this beef curry very spicy?
The recipe focuses more on aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric rather than high heat. It is savory and warm rather than burning hot, making it family-friendly.
What should I serve with Savory Beef Curry Delight?
It is best served warm over fluffy white rice or with warm naan bread to soak up the flavorful, spiced sauce.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
One large onion should be sliced thin and sautéed until softened and translucent, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Do I need to brown the beef before simmering?
Yes, the instructions recommend searing the cubed stewing beef over moderate-high heat until browned on all sides, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes and adds deep flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute 1 lb of coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes. Be sure to include the juice, as it provides the liquid base for the initial simmering stage.
What spices are required for the curry base?
The spice blend includes ground cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, allspice, fenugreek seeds, ground cloves, and cinnamon.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced and added to the sliced onions during the initial sautéing step.
When do I add the water and apricot jam?
These ingredients should be added after the beef has already simmered with the tomatoes and spices for one hour.
Is the beef curry gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, you should check the label on your apricot jam and spices to ensure no cross-contamination or thickeners are present.
Can I add vegetables like potatoes or carrots?
Absolutely! You can add cubed potatoes or carrots during the final 1 to 2 hours of simmering to turn this into a one-pot vegetable and beef meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Like many stews, the flavor often improves the next day.
What is the purpose of fenugreek seeds in this recipe?
Fenugreek seeds provide a slightly nutty and maple-like aroma that is essential for a traditional, complex curry flavor profile.
Can I freeze this curry?
Yes, Savory Beef Curry Delight freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have apricot jam?
You can substitute apricot jam with mango chutney or peach preserves to achieve a similar sweet and tangy profile.
Should the skillet be covered while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the skillet or Dutch oven during both simmering stages to retain moisture and ensure the beef becomes tender.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef is ready when it is 'fork-tender,' meaning it easily falls apart when pierced with a fork after the long simmering process.
Can I use olive oil for searing beef?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the aromatics and searing the meat.
What size should I cut the stewing beef?
The beef should be cut into 3/4 inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite-sized texture.
How many ingredients are in Savory Beef Curry Delight?
There are 14 ingredients in total, ranging from fresh aromatics and meat to a variety of dry spices and pantry staples.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you should taste and adjust the seasoning once the cooking is finished.
How much turmeric is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of turmeric, which gives the curry its characteristic golden color and earthy flavor.
Can I use ground fenugreek instead of seeds?
Yes, if you use ground fenugreek, use slightly less (about 1/4 teaspoon) as ground spices are often more potent than whole seeds.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
After the initial browning, the heat should be reduced to low for the long simmering stages to prevent the sauce from burning.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger gathering. Just ensure you use a large enough Dutch oven and maintain the same low simmering heat.
Why do I need to stir occasionally?
Stirring occasionally during the long simmer prevents the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan and helps the flavors distribute evenly.