South African Beef Curry
James Carrier
When Nancy Sephton lived in South Africa in the '50s, lamb curry was as ubiquitous there as hamburgers and hot dogs are in the United States. On a return visit a number of years later, she came across the curry made with beef, which has become a favorite with her family.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Rinse beef, pat dry, and cut into 1-inch chunks. In a 5- to 6-quart pan, combine beef, onions, and 1 cup water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover, turn heat to high, and stir often until liquid evaporates and meat and onions are lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Spoon out and discard any fat.
Step 2
2
Add to pan the curry powder, mustard seed, garlic, and turmeric; stir until spices are more fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, tomatoes, chilies, and ginger; stir to free browned bits. Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until meat is very tender when pierced, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Step 3
3
Put banana, chutney, coconut, and cucumber yogurt sauce each in separate small bowls.
Step 4
4
Ladle beef curry over rice on plates. Add banana, chutney, coconut, cucumber yogurt sauce, and salt to taste.
Ingredients
3 pounds boned, fat-trimmed beef chuck
2 onions (1 lb. total), peeled and chopped
1/4 cup curry powder
2 tablespoons mustard seed
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground dried turmeric
2 cups fat-skimmed beef broth
1 1/4 pounds Roma tomatoes, rinsed, cored, and chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeño chilies
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 firm-ripe banana (about 5 oz.), peeled and thinly sliced
About 1/2 cup mango chutney
About 1/3 cup sweetened shredded dried coconut
About 6 cups hot cooked rice
Salt
Directions
Step 1
1
Rinse beef, pat dry, and cut into 1-inch chunks. In a 5- to 6-quart pan, combine beef, onions, and 1 cup water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover, turn heat to high, and stir often until liquid evaporates and meat and onions are lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Spoon out and discard any fat.
Step 2
2
Add to pan the curry powder, mustard seed, garlic, and turmeric; stir until spices are more fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, tomatoes, chilies, and ginger; stir to free browned bits. Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer until meat is very tender when pierced, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Step 3
3
Put banana, chutney, coconut, and cucumber yogurt sauce each in separate small bowls.
Step 4
4
Ladle beef curry over rice on plates. Add banana, chutney, coconut, cucumber yogurt sauce, and salt to taste.
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