Beef Curry
Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy of onions, tomatoes, and classic Indian spices. This hearty curry is a perfect comfort food, best served with hot rice or naan for a satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- d.Remove the seared beef with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- b.In the same pot, lower the heat to medium. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn a deep golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. This step is crucial for the flavor of the gravy.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Curry Base
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric, red chili, coriander, and cumin powders. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- c.Pour in the tomato puree. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the masala at the edges, about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Add the whisked curd, stirring continuously and vigorously for 2-3 minutes to prevent it from splitting. The gravy should become smooth and creamy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Slow Cook the Curry
- b.Return the seared beef to the pot and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with the masala.
- c.Pour in the hot water, add salt, and stir everything together.
- d.Bring the curry to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 90 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender. Stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Once the beef is tender and the gravy has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat.
- c.Stir in the garam masala and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let the curry rest, covered, for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use beef chuck or stew meat with some marbling for the most tender and flavorful result.
- 2Don't rush the browning of the onions ('bhuna'). A deep golden brown color is key to a rich, flavorful gravy.
- 3Searing the beef in batches is crucial. Overcrowding the pan will steam the meat instead of browning it, resulting in less flavor.
- 4Always add yogurt on low heat and stir continuously to prevent it from curdling and ensure a smooth gravy.
- 5For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef cubes with a little ginger-garlic paste, salt, and turmeric for 30 minutes before searing.
- 6This curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Replace beef with mutton (goat meat) for a more traditional Indian flavor. Increase the slow-cooking time by 30-45 minutes as mutton takes longer to become tender.
VegetableVegetable
Add 2 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered, along with the beef during the slow-cooking stage for a heartier curry. You may need to add a little extra water.
FlavorFlavor
For a creamier, milder version, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream at the very end of cooking. For a spicier kick, increase the red chili powder and add more slit green chilies.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Muscle-Building Protein
Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Boosts Iron Levels
This curry provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and supporting red blood cell production.
Packed with Anti-inflammatory Spices
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic contain powerful compounds such as curcumin and allicin, which have proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall health and immunity.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Beef Curry contains approximately 530-560 calories, depending on the fat content of the beef cut used. This does not include accompaniments like rice or naan.