Salt and Spice

 

Among the different types of ’stews’ that I make, ‘Beef Stew’ is my favorite! I follow my Mom’s recipe which I think is quite unique. In Kerala Christian homes, it is served for Breakfast along with ‘Appam’. But I would go for ‘Bread and Beef Stew’, if given a choice!

 

Ingredients

Beef cubes- 1/2 kg

Onion - 1 sliced

Green chillies - 4 slit

Ginger - 1″ piece

Salt - to taste

Boiled Potatoes - 2

Boiled Carrots - 2

Peppercorns - 6

Cinnamon - 1″ piece

Cardamom -4

Cloves - 4

Cashew nuts - 6

Kismis - 6

Onion - 1 sliced

Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Coconut oil - 2 tbsp

Thin coconut milk - 2 cups

Thick coconut milk - 1/2 cup

All purpose flour/ Maida - 2tbsp

Sugar - 2 tsp

 

Method

Wash and clean the beef cubes. Put it into a pressure cooker along with sliced onions, ginger and green chillies. Add salt and enough water to cover the beef. Close the lid and cook for 15 to 25 minutes. (The time depends on the quality of beef you are using.) Peel the boiled potatoes and carrots, and cut them into big cubes. Keep aside. In a large non-stick pan, heat oil and add peppercorns. Close the pan with a lid and allow the peppercorns to splutter. Reduce the heat and add cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Stir for a few seconds and add the sliced onions and curry leaves. Fry till the onion turns pink. Add the cashew nuts and fry till they turn light brown. Now add the kismis and fry for few seconds more. Then add the cooked beef along with the water. Also add the potatoes and carrots. Pour the thin coconut milk and mix well. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes. Open the lid and add sugar and maida mixed with a little water. Add more salt if needed. Simmer it for another 5 minutes more. Stir occasionally. Finally add the thick coconut milk and mix well. When it is about to boil, switch off the flame. Mouthwatering ‘Beef Stew’ is ready to be served!