Beef and Yoghurt

Beef and Yoghurt Recipe from Australia - Delicious and Spicy

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef and Yoghurt is a sumptuous dish that combines the rich, robust flavors of beef with the creamy, tangy taste of natural yoghurt. This recipe is a celebration of spices and tender meat, cooked slowly to perfection. It's a dish that promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through a blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect meal for gatherings, special occasions, or a comforting weekend dinner.

History

The origins of Beef and Yoghurt can be traced back to the culinary traditions of the Middle East and South Asia, where yoghurt has been used as a marinade and sauce for centuries. This recipe is inspired by those traditions, incorporating a variety of spices that are hallmark to these regions' cuisines. Over time, it has evolved and been adapted in various cultures, each adding their unique twist to it.

Ingredients

500 g steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
1.5 tsp salt
1.25 cups natural yoghurt
60 g ghee, butter, or margarine
2 large onions, finely sliced
3 dessert spoons grated fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp garam masala
0.5 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp ground paprika
0.5 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp turmeric

How to prepare

Place the meat in a bowl and sprinkle it with salt, then rub it in well.
Pour the yogurt over the meat, cover it, and let it marinate for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
Heat the ghee in a heavy pan and gently fry the onions, garlic, and ginger until tender and golden.
Add the other spices, stir, and cook gently for about 10 minutes until well mixed and cooked.
Add the meat and yogurt mixture, mix everything well, and cook gently for about 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
If the dish is too moist for your liking, leave it uncovered for some of the cooking time.
Serve this with plain, boiled rice as the meat mixture contains enough spices to flavor the rice.
Pickled limes, served as a sambal, add a delicious tanginess to this dish.

Variations

1. Lamb can be used instead of beef for a different flavor.
2. Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a more filling dish.
3. For a spicier version, increase the amount of chilli powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Marinating the beef in yoghurt for 24 hours is crucial as it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavors.

2. Use full-fat natural yoghurt for a richer, creamier sauce.

3. Cooking the spices before adding the meat helps release their flavors and aromas, creating a more flavorful dish.

4. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

5. Cooking on low heat allows the meat to become tender without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is traditionally served with plain, boiled rice, which complements the rich flavors of the meat and spices. For a complete meal, add a side of pickled limes or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking is key to this recipe, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. A heavy-bottomed pan or a slow cooker can be used to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Coconut oil can be used instead of margarine for a dairy-free option.

2. Any type of meat can be substituted for beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be marinated up to 48 hours in advance, enhancing the flavors even more. The cooked dish can also be refrigerated and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a deep dish, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. A side of naan bread or rice makes it a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, add a dollop of yoghurt on top and a sprinkle of garam masala before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a cold beer pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a minty yoghurt drink or lassi complements the meal perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Beef and Yoghurt contains approximately 400-450 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary source coming from the onions and yoghurt. A serving of this Beef and Yoghurt recipe contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the margarine and the natural yoghurt. Using full-fat yoghurt will increase the fat content, but you can opt for low-fat yoghurt to reduce it. A serving typically contains about 20-25 grams of fat, depending on the yoghurt and margarine used.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A serving of this dish provides roughly 30-35 grams of protein, making it a great option for a protein-rich meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 from the beef, calcium from the yoghurt, and various antioxidants from the spices used. It's a nutritious meal that supports overall health.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are dairy (yoghurt) and potentially gluten, depending on the serving suggestions (e.g., if served with bread or certain types of rice). Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Summary

Overall, Beef and Yoghurt is a balanced dish, offering a good mix of proteins, fats, and essential nutrients. It's moderately high in calories and contains beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Beef and Yoghurt is a flavorful, nutritious dish that combines tender beef with a rich, spiced yoghurt sauce. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Beef and Yoghurt. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little farmhouse. Maria was known far and wide for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Maria was busy in the kitchen, and the aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air. Curious, I peeked over her shoulder as she stirred a pot of simmering beef and yoghurt. The rich, savory scent tickled my nose, and I couldn't help but ask her about the dish she was preparing.

Maria smiled and beckoned me closer, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Ah, my dear friend," she said, "this is a recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family. It's a traditional dish from my homeland, Greece, and it's one of my absolute favorites."

Intrigued, I watched as Maria added a handful of fragrant herbs and spices to the pot, explaining each ingredient and its significance in the dish. She spoke with such passion and knowledge that I couldn't help but be drawn in, eager to learn more about the flavors and techniques that made this recipe so special.

As the beef cooked slowly, Maria shared stories of her childhood in Greece, of family gatherings and festive celebrations where this dish was always the star of the dinner table. She spoke of her grandmother, who had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl, and how she had lovingly passed it down to Maria, who now shared it with me.

I was captivated by Maria's words and the love and care she infused into every step of the cooking process. I watched in awe as she added a dollop of creamy yoghurt to the pot, stirring it gently until it melted into the rich, fragrant sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, Maria ladled the tender beef and yoghurt into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with the flavors of earthy spices, tangy yoghurt, and succulent beef. It was a culinary revelation, unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As I savored each mouthful, I felt a deep sense of connection to Maria and her heritage. Through this simple dish, she had shared with me a piece of her history, a glimpse into a world of tradition and culture that was both familiar and foreign. I thanked her profusely for her generosity and wisdom, knowing that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

In the years that followed, I would often think back to that day in Maria's farmhouse, to the warmth of her kitchen and the magic of that unforgettable meal. I would recreate the recipe for Beef and Yoghurt in my own home, adding my own touches and variations, but always staying true to the spirit of the dish as Maria had taught me.

And so, whenever I prepare this dish for my family and friends, I share not only a delicious meal but also a story – a story of friendship, tradition, and the transformative power of food. For in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal, we connect with our past, our present, and our future, weaving a tapestry of memories and flavors that nourish both body and soul.