Aromatic Chilli Beef

Serves 3-4

Aromatic Chilli Beef
It has to be said that we are lovers of spicy food. It doesn’t have to be ragingly hot but the flavour is definitely number one on the list.

This recipe uses three types of dried chillies which have their own unique flavours and fruity characteristics and when combined with Indian spices marry so well with beef.

There’s certainly nothing ‘authentic’ about the recipe but it does taste darn good. We suppose this is what you get when Mexican meets Indian.

Ingredients

  • 2 dried pasilla chillies
  • 1 dried mulato chilli
  • 2 dried guajillo chillies
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 black cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 medium red onions, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 3cm piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 500g braising beef steak, trimmed of fat, cut into 3cm cubes
  • 400g tin tomatoes
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • salt to taste
  • fresh ground black paper to taste
  • ½ tsp garam masala

Method

First prepare the dried chillies. Slit the chillies open, shake out the seeds and cut off the stalks. Tear the chillies into strips. Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and drop in the chillies and allow them to roast for a couple of minutes or until they release their aroma. Stir them occasionally being careful not to let them burn.

Remove the chillies from the heat and tip into a bowl and pour over enough just-boiled water to cover and leave to stand for 20 minutes.

Put the chillies and some of the water into a blender or small food processor and blend into a smooth paste.

Put the oil into a large heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat. Drop in the black cardamom pods, cloves and cumin seeds. Fry gently for about 30 seconds then add in the onions and continue frying gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent and slightly browned.

Add the garlic and ginger and continue frying for a minute or so until the raw garlic smell disappears. Stir in the ground cinnamon and turmeric, add the vinegar and cook for a further minute or so until the vinegar fumes mellow.

Stir in the blended chillies and stir to mix.

Add the beef and stir until it is well coated with the spice mix. Tip in the tinned tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with your stirring spoon. Stir in the sugar, add a little water, if needed the liquid should just cover the meat) bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to very low. Cover with a lid and leave to cook gently 2 hours until the meat is soft and tender.

Check now and then to make sure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan and give a little stir.

After cooking time is up, stir in the garam masala and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with plain steamed rice.

Food Seasonality Icon

Foods in Season

See which foods are in season and at their best using our guide >>>

Try these recipes…

Sign up to receive our newsletter

For the latest producer info, shows, markets, recipes, competitions and more. Please be assured that we don't sell or pass on your information to third parties.

Keep up to date with:

  • New and approved producers and produce
  • Offers, discounts, competitions and more
  • Seasonal produce and great tasting downloadable recipe ideas
  • Shows, events and markets

Newsletter Signup

10 + 14 =

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This