Sweat and tears. That's what one family friend requests when invited for an evening of my mum's savory curry, and my mum is always more than happy to oblige. (Yes, I spell Mum with a "u". I say "zed", too. You know, the last letter of the alphabet.) Our friend continues to spoon the curry into his mouth, despite the fact that his beet red face is covered with rivulets of sweat and tears. We require him to sign a waiver before he starts to eat and the paramedics are put on high alert.
Now, I don't prefer my curry Hades-hot. Thankfully, neither does my family. My mum, who grew up in Jamaica and spent the first two years of her 44-year (and counting) marriage to my dad in Malaysia, pulls the influences and flavors of those countries into her curry. This versatile recipe can be made with beef, chicken thighs, or lamb and pleases with its aromatic depth.
Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Peel and core one baking apple (I typically use Gala) and cut into ¼-inch dice. Add it to the saucepan, along with ½ medium onion, chopped and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger.
Sauté until the onions are beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add 7 ounces mild curry paste (I use Patak's) and 2 minced garlic cloves. Lower the heat to low, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, fat trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces and ½ cup water. Increase the heat to medium to medium-high, depending on your stove and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add 1 can (14 oz.) light coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat to low.
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons each of ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala, along with about 2 tablespoons water. Stir to make a paste.
Add the paste to the beef mixture. Peel and cut 4 small russet potatoes into 1-inch pieces and add to the pot. Stir, cover the pot, with the lid ajar, and simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until the gravy thickens. Taste the curry and add spices to suit your taste.
Other curry recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's Rich & Savory Chicken Curry
Herbivoracioius' Quick Chana Masala with Mushrooms
Simply Recipes' Mango Chicken Curry
Rasa Malaysia's Chicken Tikka Masala
Mum's Savory Beef and Potato Curry
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 baking apple (such as Gala), peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch dice
½ medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
7 oz. jarred mild curry paste (such as Patak's)
1 ½ pounds stew meat, fat trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup water
1 can (14 oz.) light coconut milk
2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoon water
4 small russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
Heat canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add apple, onion, and ginger to the saucepan. Sauté until the onions are beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Add curry paste and garlic. Lower the heat to low, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add beef stew meat and ½ cup water. Increase the heat to medium to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes. Pour in coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat to low.
In a small bowl, combine ground coriander, cumin, and garam masala, along with about 2 tablespoons water. Stir to make a paste. Add the paste and potatoes to the beef mixture. Stir, cover the pot, with the lid ajar, and simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until the gravy thickens. Taste the curry and add spices to suit your taste. Serve over basmati rice, with raita (yogurt mixed with grated cucumber) and mango chutney.
Serves 6.
melissa
Looks amazing! I'd like to make it in the crock pot. Has anyone tried this?
Khz
My House smells amazing while i have this simmering away, I've added a can of chopped tomato because i love a curry with tomato and I'm also going to add cauliflower , chick peas and green peas and at the end just a little fresh spinach mixed through, i love getting the veggies in when i can....cant wait to have it with the yogurt and some roti bread....YUMMM.
Lynne
Just made it... YUM YUM! going to have it tomorrow for supper. Waiting for it to cool down right now to put in the fridge. This recipe is a keeper for me! Thanks!
Anonymous
This is one of the many curry recipes at home that I seldom see. My mom loves cooking it!
mummydinosaur
I made this on the weekend and we loved it (even my non-beef eating husband!). Thanks for the recipe.
From another mum. (www.mummydinosaur.blogspot.com)
My Little Space
Wow, I was pretty surprise when you said that your mom actually stayed in Malaysia before. No wonder your curry looks so familiar. I think you've never mentioned this before, right? So, your dad is a Malaysian? I'm sorry! I'm curious to find out more. hehe.... And I think your curry looks splendid! Just like our local one! Well done!
Best regards, Kristy
Catherine
This looks delicious! I'm always looking for more ways to eat potato (I'm a bit of a potato fiend). How adorable of your mum and dad's 44 years, I wish them many more 🙂
Chef Fresco
This looks so good! Perfect combo of spices. I bet you have had so many great recipes growing up!
Amy (Sing For Your Supper)
Wow, this is one of the most appetizing dishes I've seen in a while! I have got to try this soon!! Thanks for posting your mum's (look at me, I said "mum"!) awesome-looking recipe!! 🙂
Giles - Anyone For Seconds?
Mmmmm this is right up my street! I love making curries and am going to have to have a go at making this one 🙂
pegasuslegend
wow very sweet and 44 years awesome congrats...very nice post