Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew Recipe - Authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew is a traditional dish that is rich in flavor and spices. This hearty stew is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Sri Lanka, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The combination of spices and coconut milk gives this stew a unique and delicious taste.

Ingredients

675 g beef
25 g onion
3 garlic cloves
25 g ginger
2 tomatoes
4 cloves
4 cardamom
250 ml thin coconut milk
2 cm cinnamon stick
25 g curry powder
0.5 tsp fenugreek
0.5 lemon grass stem
curry leaf sprigs
0.5 tsp fennel
25 g coriander
1 tsp chile powder
2 tsp paprika
25 ml vinegar
250 ml thick coconut milk
125 ml oil

How to prepare

Wash the meat and pierce it all over with a skewer or fork.
Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes.
Crush the cloves and cardamoms.
Place the meat in a pan and pour the thin coconut milk over it.
Add the onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, curry powder, fenugreek, lemongrass, fennel powder, coriander powder, chili powder, paprika powder, and vinegar.
Mix the spices into the meat and milk, then bring it to a boil.
Simmer gently until the meat is tender, approximately 1 hour.
Pour in the thick coconut milk and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Pour the gravy into a bowl.
Add the oil to the pan and fry the meat until it is browned.
Pour the gravy back into the pan, bring it back to a boil, then remove the cinnamon stick.
Transfer the meat to a carving board, slice it, and serve with the gravy.

Variations

Add vegetables such as potatoes or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pierce the meat all over to allow the flavors to penetrate.

- Simmer the stew gently to ensure the meat becomes tender.

- Browning the meat before adding the gravy adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before simmering adds depth of flavor.

- Simmer the stew gently to ensure the meat becomes tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or lamb instead of beef in this recipe.

- If you don't have coconut milk, you can use regular milk as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh coriander on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stew with a side of steamed rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.

Fats

The coconut milk in this stew adds a rich and creamy texture, making it higher in fats. However, coconut milk is a healthy source of fats that can be beneficial for your health.

Proteins

Beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is packed with various spices and herbs that provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Please be mindful of any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Overall, this stew is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. Packed with flavor and spices, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was given to me by a dear friend who had recently traveled to Sri Lanka and discovered this delicious beef stew. She raved about its rich flavors and unique combination of spices, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and techniques from different cultures. I had learned how to make traditional Italian pasta dishes from my own grandmother, picked up curry recipes from a trip to India, and even dabbled in French pastries. But this Sri Lankan Beef Smore Stew was like nothing I had ever encountered before.

The ingredients were a mix of familiar and exotic: tender chunks of beef, fragrant curry leaves, spicy red chilies, and creamy coconut milk. The recipe called for a complex blend of spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon – that would create a symphony of flavors in every bite. I could practically taste the rich, savory stew just from reading the list of ingredients.

As I set to work in my kitchen, I thought back to the many recipes I had collected over the years. Each one was a treasure, a piece of someone else's history and culture that I could bring to life through food. I remembered the elderly woman I met in Thailand who had taught me how to make the perfect green curry, the street vendor in Morocco who shared his secret for fluffy couscous, and the young chef in Japan who had patiently shown me the art of sushi making.

Cooking was more than just a hobby for me – it was a way to connect with the world around me, to learn about different traditions and customs, and to share in the joys of good food with others. And as I stirred the fragrant pot of Sri Lankan Beef Smore Stew, I felt grateful for all the experiences and knowledge that had brought me to this moment.

The stew simmered on the stovetop, filling my kitchen with its tantalizing aroma. I couldn't wait to taste the final result, to savor the tender beef, the creamy coconut milk, and the bold spices that had been carefully layered into the dish. When it was finally ready, I ladled a generous portion into a bowl and took my first bite.

The flavors exploded on my tongue – spicy, sweet, savory, and aromatic all at once. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the coconut milk added a luxurious creaminess, and the spices danced across my palate in a harmonious blend. It was a dish unlike any other I had ever tasted, a true masterpiece of flavor and technique.

As I savored each mouthful of the Sri Lankan Beef Smore Stew, I thought about the journey that had brought me here – the friendships, the travels, the shared moments of cooking and eating with loved ones. I felt grateful for the rich tapestry of experiences that had shaped me as a cook and as a person, and I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

And so, with a full belly and a happy heart, I cleaned up my kitchen and tucked the recipe for Sri Lankan Beef Smore Stew into my well-worn recipe book, alongside all the other culinary treasures I had collected over the years. I knew that I would return to it again and again, sharing its delicious flavors with friends and family, and keeping alive the memories of the people and places that had inspired me along the way.

For me, cooking was more than just a way to feed myself – it was a way to nourish my soul, to connect with others, and to celebrate the diverse and delicious world we live in. And as long as I had my trusty recipe book and a well-stocked pantry, I knew that the possibilities for culinary adventure were endless. The Sri Lankan Beef Smore Stew was just the beginning – who knew what other culinary delights awaited me in the future?