Indian Beef with Tomato Gravy (Print Version)
Tender beef in a rich, spiced tomato gravy with authentic Indian flavors
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.75 lbs beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 - 2 medium onions, finely chopped
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
06 - 2 green chilies, sliced (optional, adjust to taste)
07 - 14 oz ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
→ Spices
08 - 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
09 - 1 tablespoon ground coriander
10 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
11 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon paprika
15 - 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
16 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
17 - 2 bay leaves
18 - 4 whole cloves
19 - 1 cinnamon stick
→ Liquids
20 - 1 cup beef or chicken stock
21 - 1/2 cup water
22 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt
→ Garnish
23 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
24 - Lemon wedges
# Steps:
01 - Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
02 - Add onions; cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
03 - Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
04 - Add ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast spices for 1 minute.
05 - Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
06 - Stir in tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
07 - Pour in stock and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
08 - Remove lid; stir in yogurt. Simmer uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, until beef is tender and sauce is thickened.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove whole spices before serving.
10 - Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan, and lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The tomato gravy creates the most luxurious sauce that clings to every tender piece of beef
- This recipe is surprisingly forgiving and rewards patience with incredible depth of flavor
02 -
- The most common mistake is rushing the onion browning step but those deep golden onions are what separate good curry from great curry
- Always temper your yogurt by whisking a spoonful of hot sauce into it before adding the whole amount to prevent any curdling drama
03 -
- Dumping all your ground spices in at once saves time but toasting them separately in hot oil first unlocks their essential oils
- Using a heavy pot like a Dutch oven prevents hot spots that can scorch the bottom of your tomato gravy