Description
Caribbean beef curry brings tropical spices dancing across your plate with rich, complex flavors. Simmered tender meat and aromatic herbs will transport you to island paradise, promising a delicious culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger and wanderlust.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) beef stew meat, cubed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can coconut milk
- 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare beef by generously coating with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven at medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for browning meat.
- Brown beef pieces in multiple batches, achieving a rich caramel crust, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same pot to sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce a blend of spices including curry powder, cumin, turmeric, allspice, and black pepper, toasting for 1-2 minutes to release intense flavors.
- Deglaze the pot with beef broth, thoroughly scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom to incorporate deep, complex flavors.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and tomato paste, stirring until a smooth, rich sauce develops.
- Return browned beef to the pot, nestling pieces into the sauce.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After initial simmering, add chopped potatoes and continue cooking for 30-45 minutes until potatoes become tender.
- During the final 5 minutes, introduce frozen peas and splash of lime juice, adjusting seasoning with additional salt as needed.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro and serve piping hot alongside steamed rice or warm naan bread.
Notes
- Tenderize the beef by marinating it in lime juice and Caribbean-style spices for at least 2 hours before cooking to enhance flavor and break down muscle fibers.
- Select fatty cuts like chuck or short ribs to ensure a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture during the long, slow cooking process.
- Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners and confirming all spice blends are certified gluten-free.
- Transform this dish into a lighter meal by substituting beef with lean chicken thighs or plant-based protein alternatives like jackfruit for a vegetarian Caribbean curry experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg