Shared by Max Nye
Shared by Max Nye
Beef Kofta Curry
Yield: 6-8 servingsTime: 1 h and 30 min
Beef Kofta Curry
Yield: 6-8 servingsTime: 1 h and 30 minFamily Journey
Baghdad, IraqCalcutta (present day-Kolkata), India
London
This recipe was shared by Max Nye. Read more about his family in "This Family’s Rosh Hashanah Table in London Links Them to India and Baghdad" and try his recipes for Pantras (Fried Crepes Filled With Chicken), Rose Harissa and Pea Pilau With Crunchy Onions, and Carrot Meetha (Sweet Carrots)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds (24 oz) ground beef
- 3 medium-sized onions, finely diced, divided
- ½ cup + 2 teaspoons breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼-inch piece of ginger, finely diced
- 4 ½ teaspoons ground coriander, divided
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- 3 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric, divided
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 ½ teaspoons of garam masala
- 2 teaspoons of curry powder
- 1 ⅔ cups tomato purée
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
Preparation
Step 1
Start by preparing your kofta balls. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, 1 diced onion, breadcrumbs, cilantro, garlic, beaten egg, ginger, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 ½ teaspoons cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon turmeric. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients until well combined. Shape them into 40 meatballs, about 1 heaping tablespoon each, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the meatballs for 5-6 minutes until they are browned on all sides. Once done, transfer them to a plate with a slotted spoon, and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
Step 3
Make the curry. Saute the two remaining diced onions in the same pot over medium heat for 12 minutes. Then add the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 ½ teaspoons of ground coriander, 1 ½ teaspoons of cumin as well as the garam masala and curry powder. Add 2 tablespoons of water, give everything a good stir, and fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the spices do not burn. Then add in the tomato puree, tomato paste, and 2 ⅓ cups water. Mix well.
Step 4
Gently add in your kofta balls, increase the heat and bring the curry to the boil. Lower to a simmer, and cook for 45-55 minutes, stirring intermittently until the cooking liquid has reduced into a thick sauce. Serve warm with rice.
