Bangladeshi style beef curry

Bangladeshi-style beef curry is a rich, flavorful, and aromatic dish often enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings. Known as “Beef Bhuna” or “Gorur Mangsho Bhuna”, it’s made with tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with a blend of spices, caramelized onions, ginger, and garlic. Bangladeshi beef curry typically has a thick gravy, rich in color and flavor, and is best served with rice, pulao, or parathas.

Recipe for Bangladeshi-Style Beef Curry

Ingredients:

• Beef (bone-in preferred): 1 kg, cut into medium pieces
• Oil or mustard oil: ½ cup
• Onion: 3 large, thinly sliced
• Ginger paste: 1 ½ tbsp
• Garlic paste: 1 ½ tbsp
• Green chilies: 4-5, slit (adjust for heat)
• Salt: to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves: for garnish

Spice Mix:

• Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
• Cumin powder: 1 tsp
• Coriander powder: 2 tsp
• Red chili powder: 1-2 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Garam masala powder: 1 tsp
• Whole spices: 4-5 cloves, 4-5 green cardamoms, 1-2 cinnamon sticks, 2-3 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Heat oil or mustard oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves) and let them release their aroma for about a minute.

2. Cook the Onions:

   • Add the sliced onions, stirring until they are caramelized and golden brown. This adds a deep flavor to the curry.

3. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chilies:

   • Add the ginger and garlic paste, and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears. Add the slit green chilies.

4. Add the Spices:

   • Lower the heat, then add the spice mix (turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder) along with salt. Stir well to combine.

5. Add the Beef:

   • Add the beef pieces, mixing to coat them well with the spices. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef starts to brown and the juices begin to reduce.

6. Simmer the Curry:

   • Add 2-3 cups of water (or enough to cover the beef). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Slow-cooking will make the beef tender and infuse it with the spices. Add more water if needed, but traditionally, Bangladeshi beef curry has a thick consistency.

7. Finish with Garam Masala:

   • Once the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened, sprinkle garam masala powder on top. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, to let the flavors meld.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice, pulao, or paratha.

This hearty and aromatic curry is a beloved dish in Bangladeshi cuisine, especially enjoyed during special occasions and family meals.