Madras Beef Curry

Although Madras is renowned for the best vegetarian food in India, meat-based recipes such as this one are also extremely popular.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

4 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely sliced
3-4 cloves
4 green cardamoms
2 whole star anise
4 fresh green chillies, chopped
2 fresh or dried red chillies, chopped
3 tbsp Madras masala paste
1 tsp ground turmeric
450 g lean beef, cubed
4 tbsp tamarind juice
granulated sugar, to taste
salt
a few fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped, to garnish.

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a karahi, wok or large pan over a medium heat and fry the onion slices for about 8 minutes until they turn golden brown. Lower the heat, add all the spice ingredients, and fry for a further 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the beef and mix well. Cover and cook over a low heat until the beef is tender and fully cooked. Cook uncovered on a higher heat for the last few minutes to reduce any excess liquid.

3. Fold in the tamarind juice, sugar and salt. Reheat the dish and garnish with the chopped coriander leaves. Pulao rice and tomato and onion salad would make excellent accompaniments for this dish.