Ingredients:
2 kg good quality lean rump steak, cut into cubes
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons garam masala
4 tablespoons natural yoghurt
4 -5 tablespoons light olive oil
4 large sweet onions, peeled and finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
5 cm knob fresh gingerroot, peeled and grated
4 tablespoons tomato puree
2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 (400 g) cans chopped tomatoes
800 ml beef stock
handful coriander, leaves separated, stalks finely chopped
6 -8 cardamom pods
15 -20 curry leaves
6 long chilies, finely chopped
For the spice mix
4 teaspoons cumin seeds
4 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
4 teaspoons mild curry powder
Directions:
1
1.Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes, put into a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the garam masala, add the yoghurt and a good dash of olive oil, season and toss to coat. Cover with cling film and marinate for as long as possible while you prepare the rest of the curry.
2
2. For the spice mix, toast the cumin, coriander, fennel and fenugreek seeds in a dry pan, tossing over high heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Tip into a mortar, add a pinch of salt and grind to a fine powder. Stir in the curry powder and mix well.
3
3.Heat a thin film of olive oil in a large cast-iron casserole or a heavy-based pan. Add the onions, garlic, chilli, ginger and a little seasoning. Add the sugar to help caramelise the onions, followed by the coriander stalks cardamom pods and ground spice mix, stir, then cover and cook for 6-8 minutes until the onions are soft, lifting the lid to give the mixture a stir a few times.
4
4.Sear the beef in a hot pan and add to the onions along with the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree, stir over a medium-high heat for a few minutes and then add the beef stock and curry leaves. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer very gently, stirring occasionally, for approximately 30 mins or until the beef is tender.
5
5.To serve, ladle the curry into warm bowls and scatter over the coriander leaves. Accompany with a steaming bowl of basmati rice.