Spicy Beef Curry with Rice

Servings

4 people

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1.5–2 hours

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Ingredients

For the Beef Curry

• 900 g (2 lb) beef chuck or beef stew meat, cut into large cubes

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 large onions, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups beef stock or water

Spices

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional (for deeper flavor)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 bay leaves

To Finish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of ½ lime (optional)

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For the Rice

• 2 cups long-grain white rice

• 4 cups water

• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides.
Remove the beef and set aside.

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Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium.
Add chopped onions to the same pot and cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and golden.
Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

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Step 3: Add Spices

Add paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

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Step 4: Create the Sauce

Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef stock.
Return the beef to the pot.
Add cinnamon stick and bay leaves if using.

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Step 5: Slow Cook

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 90–120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender and the sauce thickens.

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Step 6: Finish

Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
Adjust seasoning with salt or lime juice if needed.
Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro.

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Cook the Rice

Rinse rice until water runs clear.
Bring water and salt to a boil, add rice.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the spicy beef curry hot over steamed rice.
Optional sides:

• Flatbread or naan

• Yogurt or raita

• Pickled vegetables