Slow Cooker Creamy Indian Beef Curry
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of India with this Slow Cooker Creamy Indian Beef Curry. This easy yet delectable dish features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly in a fragrant blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Ground almonds give the sauce a delightful creaminess, and for an extra touch of indulgence, plain yogurt can be stirred in before serving. This curry is perfect served over fluffy basmati rice, complemented by steamed green beans and soft, warm naan bread. You'll not only enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors but also appreciate the convenience of slow cooking, making this the perfect meal for busy weekdays or special gatherings.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 (tablespoon)
stewing beef
2 (lbs, trimmed and cut into 1 inch cubes)
onions
2 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
minced gingerroot
1 (teaspoon)
red or green chili peppers
1-2 (chopped)
ground cumin
2 (teaspoons)
ground coriander
1 (teaspoon)
turmeric
1 (teaspoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
cracked black peppercorns
1/2 (teaspoon)
green or white cardamom pods
4 (whole)
whole cloves
4 (whole)
beef stock or water
1/2 (cup)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
ground almonds
1/4 (cup)
plain yogurt
1/2 (cup (optional))
hot cooked basmati rice
to serve (as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and brown all sides. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and transfer it to the stoneware of your slow cooker.
2
Lower the heat to medium, and add the finely chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, minced gingerroot, and chopped chili peppers (adjusting the heat level according to your preference). Cook for another minute, allowing the aromas to blend.
4
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, cracked black peppercorns, green or white cardamom pods, and whole cloves. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
5
Pour in the beef stock (or water) and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour it over the browned beef in the slow cooker and stir to ensure everything is well combined.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with the spices.
7
Once cooked, stir in the ground almonds, cover, and continue to cook on High for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
8
If desired, gently stir in the plain yogurt before serving, allowing it to meld into the dish for added creaminess.
9
Serve the creamy beef curry over hot cooked basmati rice, and enjoy with steamed green beans and warm naan.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
46.67g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Creamy Indian Beef Curry?
It is a rich and aromatic Indian-inspired dish featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a fragrant blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, finished with ground almonds for creaminess.
What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of stewing beef, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long does it take to cook on the Low setting?
When using the Low setting, the beef curry should cook for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is tender.
Can I cook this curry on High if I am in a hurry?
Yes, you can cook the curry on the High setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Why do I need to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef in a skillet before slow cooking helps to develop a deeper flavor and locks in juices.
What makes the curry sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from adding ground almonds towards the end of cooking and optionally stirring in plain yogurt before serving.
Which spices are used in this Indian beef curry?
The spice blend includes ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, cracked black peppercorns, cardamom pods, and whole cloves.
Is the yogurt a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of plain yogurt is optional and can be stirred in at the end for extra indulgence if desired.
What should I serve with this curry?
It is best served over hot cooked basmati rice with sides like steamed green beans and warm naan bread.
How much liquid do I need to add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of beef stock or water to be mixed with the sautéed aromatics.
How many calories are in a serving of this curry?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This beef curry provides 40g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate values for this meal?
There are approximately 46.67g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the garlic and ginger?
You should use 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of minced gingerroot.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by using 1 to 2 chopped red or green chili peppers according to your preference.
When do I add the ground almonds?
After the initial slow cooking is complete, stir in the ground almonds and cook on High for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
How do I prep the onions?
Finely chop 2 onions and sauté them in the skillet until they are soft and translucent, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Should I toast the spices?
Yes, you should stir the spices constantly in the skillet for about 1 minute to toast them and enhance their flavors before adding the liquid.
What type of chili peppers should I use?
The recipe suggests using either red or green chili peppers, chopped.
Are the cardamom pods used whole?
Yes, use 4 whole green or white cardamom pods in the spice mixture.
How many cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 whole cloves.
Do I need to add a bay leaf?
Yes, add 1 whole bay leaf to the sauce before pouring it over the beef in the slow cooker.
What type of oil is used for browning?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
Is this a good recipe for busy weekdays?
Yes, the slow cooker method makes it very convenient for busy schedules since it can simmer all day.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 18 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is basmati rice the only option?
While basmati rice is recommended for its fluffiness, you could use other rice varieties if needed.
Can I use water instead of beef stock?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is a suitable substitute for beef stock in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include curry, slow cooker, beef, indian cuisine, comfort food, and family meal.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Stir in the ground almonds to thicken the sauce, optionally stir in yogurt for creaminess, and serve over rice with green beans and naan.