Smoky Bengal Beef Curry - Bangladeshi Beef Curry with an American Twist
A unique fusion dish that combines rich, aromatic Bangladeshi spices with familiar American BBQ flavors, creating a memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2lbbeef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1cupGreek yogurt
- 2tbspginger-garlic paste
- 1tbspturmeric powder
- 1tbspground cumin
- 1tbspground coriander
- 1tspred chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Curry
- 3tbspvegetable oil
- 2piecelarge onions, finely chopped
- 2piecemedium tomatoes, chopped
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 3piecegreen chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1tspgaram masala
- 1tspground cinnamon
- 1tspground cardamom
- 1tspground cloves
- 4cupbeef broth
- 1cupheavy cream
- 1tbspbrown sugar
- 1cupbaby carrots, halved
- 1cupbaby potatoes, halved
- 1cupgreen peas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the American Twist
- 1cupsmoked BBQ sauce
- 1cupdiced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- 1/2cupshredded cheddar cheese
How to make Smoky Bengal Beef Curry - Bangladeshi Beef Curry with an American Twist
Marinate the Beef
In a large bowl, mix the beef cubes with Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook the Curry Base
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
Add the garam masala, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Stir well to combine.
Cook the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the pot and cook until the beef is browned on all sides.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Add the American Twist
Stir in the BBQ sauce, baby carrots, baby potatoes, and bell peppers. Cook for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the heavy cream and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Finish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips & Tricks
The addition of BBQ sauce introduces a smoky, sweet element that complements the traditional spices.
The use of cheddar cheese provides a creamy, melty finish that adds a familiar American comfort food touch.
FAQS
How can I make Smoky Bengal Beef Curry in a slow cooker?
To adapt the Smoky Bengal Beef Curry for a slow cooker, follow the initial steps of marinating the beef and sautéing the onions and tomatoes on the stove. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the beef broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. Stir in the BBQ sauce, vegetables, heavy cream, and brown sugar in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Smoky Bengal Beef Curry?
If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream for marinating the beef. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk instead of heavy cream. If you want a milder curry, reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit the green chilies. You can also substitute the beef chuck with lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile.
How should I store leftover Smoky Bengal Beef Curry?
To store leftover Smoky Bengal Beef Curry, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What side dishes pair well with Smoky Bengal Beef Curry?
Smoky Bengal Beef Curry pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the rich sauce. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast or a simple salad to balance the flavors.
Is Smoky Bengal Beef Curry suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, Smoky Bengal Beef Curry can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including the BBQ sauce and any spices used, are certified gluten-free. This dish is naturally gluten-free as it primarily consists of meat, vegetables, and spices.
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Shahir Nazib Rakib
(@shahirnazib001)
I am a passionate food researcher, developing recipes for clients and creating signature recipes. I am a passionate food researcher, developing recipes for clients and creating signature recipes....
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