Beef Curry

French Beef Curry Recipe with Onion, Garlic, and Potatoes

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Beef Curry is a rich, flavorful dish that has been savored across various cultures around the globe. This recipe brings together tender beef, aromatic spices, and hearty potatoes in a delicious curry that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this beef curry recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and aromatic spices.

History

The origins of beef curry can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where curry has been a staple part of the diet for thousands of years. Over time, the concept of curry spread across Asia and other parts of the world, with each region adding its own unique twist to the traditional recipe. This particular beef curry recipe incorporates a blend of spices that are commonly found in Indian cuisine, combined with a cooking technique that is suited to modern kitchens.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of beef
1 small onion
4 cloves of garlic
1 tsp of ground cumin
5 tsp of mild curry powder
3 tbsp of oil
1 tbsp of tomato paste
4 potatoes
salt to taste

How to prepare

Cut the meat into small pieces and wash them.
Cut the onions and garlic, then grind them together.
Put oil in a pressure cooker and heat it to a medium temperature.
Add the ground onion and garlic to the pressure cooker and let it fry for a few minutes.
Add curry powder and jeera to the pressure cooker. Keep stirring and let it fry for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Now add the meat and salt. Cover the pressure cooker loosely and cook until the meat is well fried.
Stir periodically and add enough water to cover the meat.
Let it pressure cook for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the tenderness of the meat.
Add the potatoes and cook until they are done.
This dish can be served with rice or roti.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of red chili powder or a few fresh green chilies along with the curry powder. To make a vegetarian version, substitute beef with chickpeas or tofu and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, it's important to brown the meat well before adding the water. This process, known as Maillard reaction, adds depth to the flavor of the curry. Additionally, using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time while ensuring the beef becomes perfectly tender. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes and stir them back into the curry.

Serving Suggestions

This beef curry is best served with a side of steamed rice or warm roti. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple cucumber salad or a serving of pickled vegetables to add freshness and contrast to the rich flavors of the curry.

Cooking Techniques

Using a pressure cooker for this recipe not only saves time but also ensures that the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together perfectly. For those who prefer a slow-cooked flavor, this recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker, with an extended cooking time on low heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If curry powder is not available, you can make your own blend using ground turmeric, coriander, cumin, and a bit of chili powder. Sweet potatoes can be used instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile and additional nutrients.

Make Ahead Tips

This beef curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the beef curry in a deep bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime on the side. For an elegant touch, accompany the dish with a small bowl of yogurt and a sprinkle of garam masala.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of Riesling pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of this beef curry. For a non-alcoholic option, a mango lassi or a spiced chai tea would complement the meal beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the curry on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving as it can unevenly heat the dish.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this beef curry contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a hearty meal option. The exact calorie count may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Carbohydrates

This beef curry recipe contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the potatoes. Each serving provides approximately 30-40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a balanced option when served with a side of rice or roti.

Fats

The total fat content in this recipe comes from the beef and the oil used for cooking. Lean cuts of beef can be used to reduce the overall fat content. Each serving contains about 15-20 grams of fat, depending on the cuts of beef and the amount of oil used.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Each serving of this beef curry provides approximately 25-30 grams of protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that supports muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This beef curry is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 from the beef, Vitamin C from the tomatoes, and potassium from the potatoes. It also contains iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells, and zinc, which supports the immune system.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with specific dietary restrictions should ensure that all ingredients used are suitable for their needs.

Summary

Overall, this beef curry is a balanced meal option that provides a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty and nutritious choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

This beef curry recipe offers a delightful journey through flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of traditional curries. With its rich nutritional profile and versatile serving options, it's a wholesome and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're a seasoned curry lover or new to the world of spices, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Beef Curry. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had always been my inspiration in the kitchen. I would spend hours watching her prepare meals with such love and care, and I longed to be able to recreate her dishes myself.

One day, while rummaging through her old recipe book, I came across a faded page that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Beef Curry, written in her elegant handwriting. I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. I knew that this was a dish I had to try to make on my own.

I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make the Beef Curry, and she smiled indulgently at my enthusiasm. Together, we gathered the necessary spices and fresh ingredients from the market, and she patiently guided me through each step of the cooking process. I watched in awe as she expertly chopped the onions, crushed the garlic, and toasted the spices until they released their fragrant aroma.

As the Beef Curry simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing scent, my grandmother shared with me the story behind the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down through generations in our family, each cook adding their own special touch to make it uniquely theirs. She had learned it from her own mother, who had learned it from hers, and so on.

I listened intently as she recounted the memories of cooking Beef Curry with her mother as a young girl, and how the dish had always brought their family together around the dinner table. She spoke of the laughter, the stories, and the love that had been shared over steaming bowls of Beef Curry, and I felt a deep connection to my roots and heritage.

When the Beef Curry was finally ready, my grandmother ladled it into bowls and served it with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread. I took my first bite, savoring the rich flavors and tender chunks of beef that melted in my mouth. It was a revelation – the perfect balance of spices, heat, and savory goodness that made my taste buds sing.

From that day on, Beef Curry became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I took pride in knowing that I was carrying on the tradition of my ancestors, sharing a piece of my heritage with those I loved.

As the years passed and I traveled to different countries, I continued to refine and adapt the Beef Curry recipe, incorporating new ingredients and techniques I learned along the way. Each version was a reflection of my culinary journey, a blend of old and new that honored the spirit of the original dish.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices and memories of meals shared with loved ones, I am grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me closer to my family, my culture, and myself, reminding me of the power of food to nourish not just the body, but the soul.

And so, I will continue to cook Beef Curry with love and reverence, passing down the recipe to future generations so that they too may experience the joy and connection it brings. For in every bite of Beef Curry, there is a taste of history, a touch of tradition, and a whole lot of heart.