Here’s a detailed and versatile spiced meat curry recipe that works well with beef, mutton, or lamb.

Spiced Meat Curry

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the meat

• 1 kg meat (beef, mutton, or lamb), cut into medium pieces
• 2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
• 1 tsp salt

For the curry base

• 3 large onions, finely sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, sliced

Spices

• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped
• Ginger juliennes
• Lemon wedges

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Wash the meat and drain excess water.
2. Sprinkle with salt and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Onions

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large pot.
2. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown (10–15 minutes).

Step 3: Add Ginger and Garlic

1. Stir in ginger-garlic paste.
2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Step 4: Cook the Tomatoes and Spices

1. Add tomatoes and green chilies.
2. Cook until tomatoes soften.
3. Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and black pepper.
4. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oil begins to separate.

Step 5: Add the Meat

1. Add the meat pieces.
2. Stir well to coat with the spice mixture.
3. Cook on medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Simmer

1. Add 3–4 cups of water.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Cover and cook:
   • Lamb: 60–90 minutes
   • Mutton: 90–120 minutes
   • Beef: 90–150 minutes

Alternatively, use a pressure cooker:

• Lamb: 15–20 minutes
• Mutton: 20–25 minutes
• Beef: 25–35 minutes

Step 7: Finish the Curry

1. Once the meat is tender, remove the lid.
2. Cook uncovered if you want a thicker gravy.
3. Stir in garam masala.
4. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and ginger juliennes on top.
2. Serve hot with:
   • Naan
   • Roti
   • Rice
   • Salad and lemon wedges

Tips

• Marinating the meat with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for 2–4 hours makes it more tender.
• For a richer curry, add ½ cup yogurt while cooking the tomatoes.
• Slow cooking develops deeper flavor than high heat cooking.

Enjoy your homemade meat curry! 🍛🥩