Sylheti-style Spicy Beef Curry

Ingredients

While the original Carne al desarreglo from Dominican Republic cuisine is a flavorful meat dish, the Sylheti-style Spicy Beef Curry takes inspiration from the original and infuses it with the distinct flavors of Sylheti cuisine. The use of Sylheti spices and cooking techniques gives this dish a unique twist, making it more suitable for the Sylheti palate. We alse have the original recipe for Carne al desarreglo, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, pureed 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
5. 5.
   Add the beef pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides.
6. 6.
   Add the slit green chilies, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the beef with the spices.
7. 7.
   Cover the pan and let the beef cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it becomes tender.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and give it a final stir.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
10. 10.
    Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or chuck, for the best results. Trim any excess fat before cooking to avoid greasiness.
• Sylheti spices — If you can't find specific Sylheti spices, you can substitute them with a combination of cumin, coriander, and red chili powder to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more green chilies or red chili powder according to your preference.
• Marinating the beef in yogurt and spices overnight can enhance the tenderness and flavor of the meat.
• Adjust the cooking time according to the desired level of tenderness. If you prefer a softer texture, cook the beef for a longer duration.

Serving advice

Serve the Sylheti-style Spicy Beef Curry with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Accompany it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the spiciness.

Presentation advice

Garnish the curry with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in a traditional Sylheti-style bowl or on a decorative platter to enhance the visual appeal.