Introduction
Minced beef dishes are a staple in many cuisines around the world, offering a delicious and hearty meal option that is both versatile and satisfying. This recipe highlights the robust flavors of ginger, garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices that create a delightful curry experience. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil, or other neutral oil
4 tsp ginger, finely minced
5 large garlic cloves, minced (about 4 tsp)
1 large onion, finely diced
500g / 1 lb beef mince (ground beef)
3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper or chilli powder (pure, not US chili powder spice mix), omit for not spicy
1 1/4 tsp garam masala
1 1/4 tsp cumin powder
1 1/4 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 cup water
GARNISH
1 green cayenne pepper, deseeded, finely sliced
Cilantro/coriander leaves
Plain yogurt or Mint yogurt
MINT YOGURT (OPTIONAL)
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup (lightly packed) mint leaves
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This flavorful minced beef recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. With easy-to-follow steps and a blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds, it’s an excellent meal for any day of the week. Enjoy the rich and savory taste, paired with the refreshing mint yogurt for a perfect balance.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 teaspoons of finely minced ginger and 5 large minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until they turn golden, being careful not to let them burn. Next, add 1 large finely diced onion and cook for an additional minute until it starts to turn translucent.
Cook the Beef
Add 500g (1 lb) of beef mince to the skillet. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Continue cooking until the beef changes color from pink to light brown.
Add Spices
Once the beef is browned, add 3/4 teaspoon of cooking salt, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 1/4 teaspoons of cumin powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons of coriander powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir the mixture for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and develop their flavors.
Simmer the Mixture
Pour 1 cup of water into the skillet and stir to combine everything. Cover the skillet with a lid or a baking tray, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until most of the water has evaporated.
Serve
Serve the beef mixture over basmati rice or plain white rice. Garnish with finely sliced green cayenne pepper, fresh cilantro/coriander leaves, and a generous amount of plain or mint yogurt. For an enhanced experience, serve with naan, flatbreads, or frozen roti.
Mint Yogurt Preparation
To prepare the optional mint yogurt, combine 3/4 cup of plain yogurt with 1/2 cup of lightly packed mint leaves and 1/4 teaspoon of cooking salt. Use a stick blender to blitz just 1/4 cup of the yogurt with the mint leaves and salt in a small jug until the mint is very finely chopped. After this, stir in the remaining yogurt to thicken the mixture. Refrigerate until needed.
Notes
Recipe Credit
This recipe is very slightly adapted from the Indian Queema Minced Beef by Scrambled Chefs.
Chili Powder
Note that American “chili powder” is not pure ground chili; it contains other spices like paprika and is not very spicy. This recipe calls for pure ground chili for added spiciness.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is a spice mix used in Indian cooking and is a more authentic curry powder. It can be found in regular grocery stores.
Roti
Roti is a flaky Indian round flatbread that is readily available in the freezer section of larger grocery stores. They are convenient as they cook from frozen on the stove in just a couple of minutes.
Mint Yogurt Consistency
Blitzing the yogurt can make it watery. Therefore, only blitz enough to puree the mint, then stir the rest in to thicken the yogurt sauce again.
Leftovers Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they are golden, ensuring they do not burn. Next, add finely diced onion and cook for about 1 minute until it starts to turn translucent.
Cooking Beef
In the same skillet, add beef mince and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it changes color from pink to light brown. This should take a few minutes.
Blooming Spices
Once the beef has browned, add the remaining spices (excluding the water) and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the spices to bloom, enhancing their flavors.
Simmering
After blooming the spices, add 1 cup of water to the skillet and stir. Cover the skillet with a lid or a baking tray, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until most of the water has evaporated.
Making Mint Yogurt
To prepare mint yogurt, use a stick blender to blitz together 1/4 cup of plain yogurt with mint leaves and salt until the mint is finely chopped. Stir in the remaining yogurt and refrigerate until ready to serve.
FAQ
What type of oil can I use for sautéing?
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral oil for sautéing the ingredients.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Yes, you can omit the cayenne pepper or chili powder if you prefer a non-spicy version.
What is garam masala?
Garam masala is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cooking, providing a warm flavor to dishes.
How can I substitute fresh mint in the yogurt sauce?
If fresh mint is unavailable, you can use dried mint, but adjust the quantity as it is more concentrated.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This flavorful beef mince dish, infused with aromatic spices, is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s simple to prepare and can be served over rice, with naan, or even in wraps. The optional mint yogurt adds a refreshing touch, enhancing the overall experience. Enjoy this hearty meal that combines warmth and depth of flavor!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Lamb Kofta
Use the same spice mix and combine minced lamb with finely chopped onions and herbs for delicious kofta.
Chickpea Curry
Substitute beef with chickpeas and follow the same spices for a vegetarian option, simmering it with coconut milk.
Beef Wraps
Use the cooked beef mince as a filling for wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the beef mince with cooked rice and fill bell peppers, then bake until tender for a colorful dish.
Beef Curry with Spinach
Add fresh spinach to the cooked beef for added nutrition and a pop of color.
Beef and Potato Hash
Mix in diced potatoes and cook until crispy for a hearty breakfast option.
Indian Beef Tacos
Serve the spiced beef in taco shells with fresh vegetables and the mint yogurt as a dressing for a fusion twist.
