The Only Curry Recipe You'll Ever Need!

I was given this curry recipe years ago by a local Indian family. It is so adaptable and so delicious that I make it all the time with whatever ingredients I have. In the ingredients I have specified beef (due to the inflexibility of RecipeZaar!) but you can use beef, lamb or chicken, chickpeas or vegetables or any combination of these. Casserole beef cooks beautifully, it takes about an hour. Chicken with coconut cream is also lovely. Often we have it as a vegetarian/vegan curry with chickpeas and vegetables. Serve with rice, yoghurt and naan bread if you like it!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  kg beef, chopped into suitably sized pieces
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 3  onions, finely chopped (medium)
• 4  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon  chopped fresh ginger
• 1  teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice or 2  tablespoons vinegar
• 3  large tomatoes (chopped) or 3  tablespoons tomato paste
• 3  red chilies (optional) or 3  green chilies (optional) or 1  teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 (8 ounce) can coconut milk (optional) or 1 (8 ounce) can coconut cream (optional)

• Mix together spice mixture

• 2  tablespoons curry powder
• 2  tablespoons ground coriander
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon garam masala
• 1  tablespoon ground fenugreek (optional)
• 1  teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large pan, heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. Cook, with the lid on, while the mustard seeds pop.
2. Add the onions, garlic and ginger and cook on medium heat, uncovered, until softened.
3. Add the mixed spices and the lemon juice, cook for a few minutes, stirring.
4. Add 250ml water or half the coconut milk, tomatoes and chilli powder if using.
5. Add the meat and/or vegetables etc and stir to coat with sauce.
6. Add another 250ml water or the remaining coconut cream.
7. Stir, bring to the boil and simmer gently, uncovered, until cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the cut of meat or type of vegetables used.