Chukandar Gosht - my slow- cooked beetroot and beef
Ingredients:
3-4 tbsp corn oil or sunflower oil
1 black cardamom pod (preferable) or 3 green cardamom pods
2.5cm piece of cinnamon
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
2 medium red onions , sliced
1 tsp grated garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
2 medium tomatoes , chopped
1 tsp red chilli powder
450g stewing beef , cut into 2.5cm chunks
350g raw beetroot , grated
To serve
small pack coriander leaves
1 green chilli , chopped
squeeze of ½ lime
naan bread or boiled brown basmati rice
TO MAKE THIS VEGAN, OMIT BEET, REPLACE WITH LARGE WHOLE CHESTNUT MUSROOMS (cook for half the time).
Method:
STEP 1
Using a large, non-stick lidded wok or saucepan, heat the oil over a medium flame, add the cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and coriander seeds. Once the spices start to sizzle, add the onions and stir-fry until light golden brown.
STEP 2
Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 min until it no longer smells raw. Add a splash of water if the garlic and ginger start to stick to the pan, then add the tomatoes and cook until soft.
STEP 3
Add 1 tsp salt, red chilli powder and the beef, turn up the heat and stir-fry until the meat is sealed on all sides. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover loosely and cook for about 10 mins.
STEP 4
Turn up the heat and add the grated beetroots. Stir-fry for a few mins, then cover the pan, reduce the heat and cook for 1 hr 15 mins or until the meat is tender. Stir from time to time and add a little water if the curry becomes dry.
STEP 5
The finished dish should be a thick mushy curry with chunky, tender beef pieces and softened beetroots. Sprinkle with the coriander leaves and green chilli; add a squeeze of lime, and serve with naan or basmati rice.