Mince beef curry or ground beef curry, also called Indian keema, is a flavorful dish made with minced meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, cooked with aromatic spices and sometimes vegetables like peas. From the Indian subcontinent, keema holds a special place in Indian cuisine, celebrated for its rich taste and versatility. Keema’s origins can be traced back to the Mughal era, where it was created as a hearty and satisfying dish fit for royalty. Over time, it became a staple in Indian households, cherished for its ability to be easily customized with various spices and ingredients. What sets keema mattar apart is its exquisite blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili, creating a complex and robust flavor profile. Its popularity can be attributed to its comforting nature, making it a favorite comfort food for many, as well as its adaptability to different dietary preferences and occasions. Whether served with rice, bread, or as a filling for wraps and pies, Indian keema continues to captivate taste buds worldwide, offering a delicious glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of Indian cuisine.
Why is this the best mince beef curry
Rich Flavor: The blend of aromatic spices, onions, and tomatoes creates a rich, complex flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Versatile: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. You can use various meats or meat substitutes and adjust the spices to your taste. Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavors, this keema recipe is relatively easy to make, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cooks. Nutritious: Keema is a protein-rich dish that is also packed with vegetables like peas, adding to its nutritional value. Budget-Friendly: Minced meat is often more affordable than other cuts of meat, making this recipe budget-friendly without compromising on taste. Comfort Food: Keema is a classic comfort food in Indian cuisine, perfect for warming up on cold days or for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients and substitutes
Minced Meat (Keema): This is the primary ingredient and provides the protein base for the dish. You can use minced lamb, beef, chicken, turkey, or even a meat substitute like soy granules or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version. Onions: Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. If you don’t have onions, you can use shallots or leeks as substitutes. Tomatoes: Tomatoes contribute acidity and moisture to the dish while adding a tangy flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste as a substitute. Ginger-Garlic Paste: This paste adds a fragrant aroma and pungent flavor to the keema. You can substitute it with finely minced ginger and garlic if paste is not available. Spices: These spices are essential for flavoring the keema and providing warmth and depth to the dish. While there’s no direct substitute for the unique flavor of these spices, you can adjust the quantities according to your taste preference or use a pre-mixed curry powder blend as a convenient alternative. Peas: Peas add sweetness and texture to the keema. If peas are not available, you can substitute them with chopped carrots or green beans. Oil or Ghee: Oil or ghee is used for sautéing the onions and spices and adds richness to the dish. You can use any cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil as a substitute for ghee. Fenugreek powder (optional) – This is a dried herb with a slightly bitter taste and is not commonly found. Feel free to omit it.
Step-by-step: Beef mince curry -Keema curry
In a saute pan or cast-iron skillet saute onion in the oil over medium heat for two minutes until translucent. Add garlic, ginger and bay leave – Saute another minute or two.Pro tip – cook the onions on medium-low letting them sweat and lightly caramelize. Next, add the curry powder, paprika, garam masala, fenugreek powder, and chopped tomatoes. Saute well for 2 to 3 mins on low until fragrant about 2 to 3 minutes.Pro tip – cook the tomato and spices until the tomatoes are mush and a nice aroma comes from the spices.
Add one cup of water to the ground beef and combine well. Then add the mixture to the pan along with frozen peas. Stir well, season with salt, pepper, and add the chopped cilantro or parsley and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.Pro tip – adding water to the ground beef will prevent lumps during cooking.
Once the mixture comes to a boil lower the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.Pro tip – when cooked you will see the oil from the recipe float to the top of the curry. Taste and adjust seasoning and consistency.Pro tip – if serving chicken curry with rice you may want to have some gravy so add a little water and bring to a boil. If serving mince curry with chapati a thicker consistency is preferable. Sprinkle with more chopped cilantro before you serve.
Tips for success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly ground spices can make a significant difference in the taste of your dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, but you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Start with less spice and add more gradually, tasting as you go. Cook Minced Meat Properly: Ensure that the minced meat is cooked through but not overcooked, as it can become tough. Break up any clumps of meat as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the keema to rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and allows any excess liquid to be absorbed. Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding or omitting ingredients. You can also add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Serve Hot: Keema is best served hot, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.
Creative variations
Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with cooked minced beef. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender for a delicious twist on stuffed peppers. Minced Beef Pie: Use the keema as a filling for a savory pie. Top with mashed potatoes or puff pastry for a comforting meal. Beef Tacos: Serve the keema in taco shells with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa for an Indian-Mexican fusion dish. Minced Beef Omelette: Add cooked keema to beaten eggs and make an omelette. Top with cheese and serve with toast for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Keema Pizza: Use the minced beef as a topping for homemade pizza. Add onions, bell peppers, and cheese for a flavorful pizza. Keema Curry: Add coconut milk or cream to the minced beef to make it creamy and serve it as a curry with rice or bread.
Creative ways to serve minced beef curry
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the minced beef curry. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender for a flavorful and nutritious meal. Beef Curry Shepherd’s Pie: Use the minced beef curry as the base layer in a shepherd’s pie. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown for a comforting and hearty dish. Beef Curry Tacos: Serve the minced beef curry in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a fusion twist on tacos. Beef Curry Pita Pockets: Fill pita pockets with the minced beef curry and add lettuce, tomatoes, and yogurt sauce for a flavorful and portable meal. Beef Curry Stuffed Squash: Hollow out acorn, butternut, or zucchini squash and fill them with the minced beef curry. Bake until the squash is tender for a unique and delicious dish. Beef Curry Rice Bowls: Serve the minced beef curry over cooked rice with toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime for a simple yet flavorful meal.
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