Description
Spicy Brazilian beef curry blends aromatic spices with tender meat for a hearty meal. Savory flavors and rich textures invite you to explore culinary traditions from South America’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 2 tbsps curry powder (or mix of turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder)
- 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz / 400 ml) can coconut milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth (or water)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup (75 g) frozen peas (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sear beef chunks in a hot, oiled skillet until achieving a golden-brown crust, then set aside for later integration.
- Aromatics Development: Reduce skillet heat and caramelize onions until translucent, then introduce garlic and ginger, allowing their fragrant essences to bloom and infuse the base.
- Spice Activation: Sprinkle curry powder, garam masala, paprika, and cayenne into the aromatic mixture, toasting briefly to unleash their complex, robust flavors and create a dynamic culinary foundation.
- Liquid Integration: Combine crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and beef broth, reintroducing seared meat into this liquid canvas. Reduce heat, cover, and allow the curry to gently simmer and meld flavors while tenderizing the protein.
- Vegetable Incorporation: After an hour of slow cooking, add potatoes and carrots, continuing to simmer until vegetables soften and meat becomes exceptionally tender. Introduce green peas in the final moments for a vibrant color and fresh textural contrast.
- Flavor Refinement: Carefully adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste profile. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to elevate the dish’s aromatic complexity.
- Serving Presentation: Plate the rich, spice-laden curry atop steamed rice, accompanied by warm naan bread or a crisp side salad, inviting diners to experience this deeply satisfying culinary journey.
Notes
- Sear Meat Strategically: Brown beef chunks quickly over high heat to lock in juices and develop a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Balance Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne and garam masala quantities based on personal heat tolerance, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing for controlled spiciness.
- Manage Cooking Liquid: Monitor curry’s consistency during simmering, adding extra beef broth if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring tender meat and ideal sauce texture.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or mixed vegetables like chickpeas and cauliflower, maintaining similar cooking techniques and spice profile for a plant-based version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg