🍛 Hearty Beef Curry with Aromatic Spices & Creamy Coconut Milk
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2–2½ hours (slow simmer for tenderness)
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Curry:
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2 lbs (900g) beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into chunks
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
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2 tsp ground cumin
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2 tsp ground coriander
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1½ tsp ground turmeric
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1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 can (14 oz / 400ml) full-fat coconut milk
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1 cup (240ml) beef broth or water
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1–2 tsp brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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2 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed (optional)
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1 cinnamon stick or 2–3 cardamom pods (optional, for extra aroma)
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Juice of ½ lime or lemon (to finish)
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
🔥 Instructions:
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Season & Sear the Beef
Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy pot (like Dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches — don’t overcrowd. Set aside. -
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, lower heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté onions until soft and golden (about 8–10 mins). Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. -
Add Spices & Tomato Paste
Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and cinnamon. Toast for 30 seconds, then add tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. -
Simmer the Curry
Return beef to the pot. Stir in coconut milk, beef broth, and optional cinnamon stick or cardamom. Add potatoes if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. -
Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover partially and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and the sauce is rich. Add more broth or water if it reduces too much. -
Balance & Finish
Taste and adjust salt, spice, and sweetness. Add brown sugar if needed to balance flavors. Stir in lime or lemon juice for brightness. -
Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with basmati rice, naan, or roti.