Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this creamy, aromatic beef curry with coconut milk! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to takeout. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
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Bloom the spices: Add the curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for releasing the full flavor of the spices.
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Combine ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), coconut milk, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
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Serve: Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Curry:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your curry will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When searing the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will ensure that the beef browns properly and doesn't steam. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder curry, omit it altogether.
- Simmer for longer for maximum flavor: The longer the curry simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a richer and more complex taste.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or peas, to your curry. Add them along with the bell peppers.
- Use different types of beef: You can use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or short ribs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it spicier: Add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy beef curry recipe with coconut milk is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender beef, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Enjoy!