Spicy Madras Beef or Lamb Curry with Pomegranate Rice
Experience the bold flavors of southern India with this Spicy Madras Curry, a delightful dish featuring tender beef or lamb cooked in a rich and aromatic blend of spices. The curry derives its heat from a medley of fresh and dried chilies that harmonize beautifully with the earthy notes of cumin and coriander. This dish is not only vibrant in color but also in flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of a kick in their meals. Accompanying the curry is a colorful pomegranate rice, which adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the spiciness of the curry, making each bite a delightful journey of culinary contrasts.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean meat
2 lbs (diced and fat free)
oil
4 tablespoons (for frying)
onion
1 large (chopped)
cloves
4 (whole)
green cardamom pods
4 (slip open)
green chilies
2 (chopped)
fresh ginger
1 inch (grated)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
dried red chilies
2 (chopped)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (mixed with oil to make a paste)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
stock
1/4 pint (made with a cube)
rice
to serve (boiled)
pomegranate
1 (seeds to stir into the rice)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
2
Next, introduce the chopped green chilies, dried red chilies, grated ginger, and crushed garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to release the fragrant aromas.
3
In a small bowl, mix the curry powder with a bit of oil to create a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the pan, allowing it to cook for about 3 more minutes while stirring to evenly coat the onion mixture.
4
Add the diced meat to the pan, stirring well to combine. Sear the meat for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown.
5
Sprinkle in the ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt. Pour in the stock, then cover the pan and reduce the heat. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6
For the pomegranate rice, cook your preferred rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, take the seeds from a pomegranate and mix them gently into the rice just before serving to add a burst of color and sweetness.
7
Serve the Spicy Madras Curry hot alongside the vibrant pomegranate rice, garnished with fresh coriander if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Madras Beef or Lamb Curry?
It is a bold-flavored dish from southern India featuring tender meat cooked in a rich, aromatic blend of spices with a noticeable heat.
What kind of meat is best for this curry?
The recipe recommends using 2 lbs of lean beef or lamb, diced and fat-free.
What gives the Madras curry its spicy kick?
The heat comes from a combination of 2 chopped green chilies and 2 chopped dried red chilies.
What is pomegranate rice?
It is boiled rice mixed with fresh pomegranate seeds, which provides a sweet contrast to the spicy curry.
How do I prepare the green cardamom pods?
The cardamom pods should be slipped open before being added to the pan.
What aromatics are sautéed with the onions?
The onions are sautéed with 4 whole cloves and 4 cardamom pods.
How long should I cook the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How is the curry powder added to the recipe?
It is mixed with a little bit of oil in a small bowl to create a smooth paste before being added to the pan.
When do I add the ginger and garlic?
Add 1 inch of grated ginger and 2 crushed garlic cloves after the onions have softened.
How long should I sear the meat?
The diced meat should be seared for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown.
Which ground spices are used in the curry?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground coriander and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much stock is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 pint of stock, which can be made using a stock cube.
What is the recommended simmering time for the curry?
The curry should simmer gently for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour until the meat is tender.
When are the pomegranate seeds added to the rice?
The seeds should be mixed gently into the rice just before serving.
How much oil is used for frying?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of oil for the initial frying process.
Can I use beef or lamb interchangeably?
Yes, both meats work well with this aromatic Madras spice blend.
Should the pan be covered during cooking?
Yes, once the stock is added, the pan should be covered and the heat reduced to a simmer.
What is the origin of this curry recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary traditions and bold flavors of southern India.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 16 ingredients required for the full recipe, including the rice and pomegranate.
Is fresh or dried ginger used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves for this dish.
Is salt included in the spice mix?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added along with the ground coriander and cumin.
What garnish is suggested?
Fresh coriander is recommended as a garnish if desired.
What type of chilies are used?
The recipe uses both fresh green chilies and dried red chilies for a complex heat profile.
How do I prepare the rice?
Boil the rice according to the package instructions before adding the pomegranate seeds.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dish?
It is a journey of culinary contrasts, balancing earthy cumin and coriander with spicy chilies and sweet pomegranate.
How do I ensure the curry paste is smooth?
Pre-mix the curry powder with oil in a separate small bowl before introducing it to the pan.
Should I stir the curry during simmering?
Yes, you should stir the curry occasionally while it simmers to ensure even cooking.
How large should the onion be?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped.
Is this a mild or spicy curry?
This is a spicy Madras curry designed for those who enjoy a bit of a kick in their meals.