Beef is seldom cooked in our kitchen because of the difficulty in procuring it frequently but when we really do get some beef we save it for some time. And it comes out transformed in different avatars. I dont like coconut though everyone tells me its so non Keralite a habit but I guess it was because my father never preferred the use of coconut and hence the absence of coconut in our diet.
But very often when we go to Kerala restaurants specially in Chennai the typical Kerala style beef served is with coconut bits and I love it now. I really dont know if coconut contributes to cholestrol or not but since beef already does I dont join such debates when I want to indulge in some typical Kerala beef. And this also happens to be a dish where I use coconut oil though I would recommend other oils for people aversive to coconut oil.
Ingredients for Beef Ularthiyathu
Beef- 500gm
Shallots 10-12
Garlic- 10-12
Curry leaves - a sprig
Ginger- 1 inch long
Coconut- 1 cup thinly sliced
Chilly powder- 1 tbsp
Coriander powder - 2 tbsp
Turmeric powder- 1 tsp
Garam masala- 2 tsp
Coconut oil- 2 tbsp
Salt- to taste
Directions
In a pressure cooker heat oil. Saute minced shallots and garlic with curry leaves and sliced ginger. When half done add the spice powders followed by the beef and coconut pieces.
Add 2 cups of water such that water rests over the meat. Cook for 25- 3o minutes. It depends on the meat you have and how long you think it needs to be cooked. When the pressure settles down add salt and let the curry simmer. Many fry the beef dry but I try to avoid oily stuff. Else you could boil the meat and coconut strips alone and then saute the shallots, garlic, ginger and curry leaves followed by spices in a pan and fry the beef in this paste for a dry recipe.
Labels: beef, Kerala dishes
