Beef Massaman Curry
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
For the Curry:
1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Massaman curry paste
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or lime juice as a substitute)
2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
1 cinnamon stick
3-4 cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon lime juice
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned.
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Add the sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and Massaman curry paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer the Curry:
Return the seared beef to the pot.
Pour in the coconut milk and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Add the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Toss in the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaves.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Add Vegetables and Simmer:
Add the potatoes, carrots, and roasted peanuts (if using) to the pot.
Continue to simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the curry has thickened slightly.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors.
Remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaves before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve the Beef Massaman Curry hot over cooked jasmine rice.
Tips:
Curry Paste: Massaman curry paste can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. Adjust the amount used based on your heat preference.
Slow Cooking: This dish benefits from slow cooking, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish Variations: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or additional roasted peanuts on top before serving.
Enjoy your rich and aromatic Beef Massaman Curry! 🍛🥥🍲