Slow Cooked Beef Curry

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This Indian beef curry recipe is a great way to make soft tender meat that falls off the bones. Whether you cook on the stovetop or in a slow cooker you will be greeted with the aromas of Indian spices and the freshness of herbs. A simple and easy recipe you will love making over and over again.

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I am so happy to see all of you enjoying my Indian recipes. I’ve had some great feedback, especially from those who have tried my homemade spice mixes. Today, I want to share another recent favorite that has been very popular with my friends.

For years, my mom cooked this over the stovetop but now that I have a slow-cooker I often use it to make this beef. The advantage of a slow cooker means you can leave it unattended. The disadvantage is it does not allow the liquid to evaporate giving you more gravy which works better when served with rice, not so much with naan or chapati.

Why make this curry

• If you like beef and Indian food then I highly recommend it the next time you try this recipe.
• It is slow-cooked but you can do that on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
• We use classic easy-to-find fresh ingredients of garlic, ginger, and onion along with aromatic spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika that you can easily find in any supermarket these days.
• The sauce is yogurt-based and does two things making it rich and creamy it also works as a tenderizer which helps to make our meat soft, tender, and delicious. Like fork-tender meat?

Ingredients and substitutes

• Meat – I like to use chuck roast, round, or brisket – these are good for long slow cooking. You can also use stew-meat cuts for this.
• Spices –  Curry powder and garam masala have now become a part of everybody’s pantry whether you are Indian or not? I make my own spice mixes at home but you can use store-bought just as well.
• Yogurt – tenderizes the meat making it moist, juicy, and delicious. If you cannot use dairy use coconut cream.

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Indian Beef Curry

• Using a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board, trim excess fat and cut the beef into large bite-size cubes (about 3 inches). Set aside.
  Pro tip – Don’t cut the meat into small pieces as the slow cooking will eventually shred it.
• In a pan or Dutch oven pot over medium heat saute onions in oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until lightly golden.
  Pro tip – The caramelized onions give this curry that depth of flavor so cook low and slow so it does not burn.
• Add the ginger and garlic – saute for another minute. Then add the bay leaves, spices (curry powder, cayenne, paprika, garam masala), and 2 tbsp of water.
  Pro tip – The water prevents the spices from burning. But, do not add too much we still need them to cook and become aromatic.
• Once you can smell the wonderful spices – add the yogurt and meat. Season with salt and pepper. then add the lemon juice and make sure everything is well combined
  Pro tip – Combine the yogurt well with the meat and cook on medium-low so it does not curdle.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Continue on the stovetop

• Then, lower the heat to a simmer and cook on low for 1 to 1 1/2 hours stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water if necessary to prevent it from sticking at the bottom.
  Pro tip – Depending on the cut of meat you use, it will take between 1 to 2 hours. For example, brisket takes me almost 2 hours, stew meat makes just 1 1/2 hours or less.
• When cooked to fork-tender, adjust gravy by adding a bit more water depending on how you going to serve it.
  Pro tip – If you serve it with chapati, naan, or roti – keep it thick. If you serve with rice, add a little water to make a gravy.

Slow cooker beef curry recipe

Alternatively, transfer to a slow cooker or crockpot, and cook until the meat is fork-tender.
Pro tip – You can cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or for 3 to 4 hours on high. Personally, I like cooking on low so the meat is moist, juicy, and fork-tender.

Serve

• When done, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and give it one good stir.
• Enjoy!

Tips – Beef curry

• Make sure the beef is cut into about 2-inch pieces not too big or too small. 
• Cook the beef only when completely thawed or it will cook unevenly
• A Dutch oven or heavy bottom pot works best for such slow-cooking dishes. Alternatively, you can transfer it to the slow cooker. 
• Caramelising the onions is an important flavor ingredient so make sure to give it enough time to cook low and slow. If you cook it on high it will burn and change the desired taste of the beef. 
• Make sure to cook the spices. Indian food is all about marrying those spices so give it time to cook until it is nice and fragrant. 
• Add a few tablespoons of water to prevent the spices from burning. 
• Give the yogurt a good stir before you add it to the dish to prevent lumps. 
• Some mature yogurts are quite sore so make sure to taste it, then adjust the lemon juice as required. 
• Cook on low and stir often making sure to add water if necessary to prevent the dish from burning on the bottom. 

Creative ways to serve or use leftover beef

1. Traditional style: Conventionally serve beef curry with steamed basmati rice or fragrant saffron rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) and serve with warm naan bread or roti on the side. This classic combination allows you to savor the rich flavors of the dish.
2. Curry beef tacos: Put a twist on your curry beef pieces by serving them in taco shells or soft tortillas. Fill each taco with a generous amount of lamb rogan josh, and top it with some crunchy lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and a dollop of cooling yogurt or raita. This fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors can be a delightful surprise.
3. Curry pizza: Turn your curry into a unique pizza topping. Skip the tomato sauce on a pizza crust and add a generous amount of lamb rogan josh as the base. Sprinkle some grated cheese (such as mozzarella or feta), sliced onions, and bell peppers. Bake until the crust is crispy and the cheese melts. This fusion pizza will satisfy your cravings for both Indian and Italian cuisine.
4. Stuffed bell peppers: Transform your beef into a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with a mixture of beef and cooked rice or couscous. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated. This dish provides a unique and colorful presentation.
5. beef sliders: Create delicious sliders by placing a spoonful of beef curry on tiny buns or slider rolls. Top with caramelized onions, sliced cucumbers, and a mint chutney or yogurt dollop. Serve these bite-sized delights as appetizers or party snacks.
6. Beef bowls: Build flavorful bowls by layering beef curry over a base of cooked quinoa, couscous, or rice. Add a variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded lettuce, chopped mint, and a drizzle of yogurt or tahini sauce. These bowls make for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
7. Beef Pies: Create individual-sized beef pies by filling small pastry cases or puff pastry cups with the beef curry. Bake them until the pastry is golden and crisp. These savory pies can be served as appetizers or a main course with a side salad.

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Frequently asked questions

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