Keema Masala

Keema Masala [Minced Lamb/Goat meat / Beef cooked in Indian spices]
Isn't it really hard to pick a favorite dish? Well, not when you have tasted this one! I'm so mad over Keema that, when I first came to the U.S. and went to any Indian restaurant, I would frantically search the menus, hoping to find it! But alas :( not many restaurants serve this dish and I had to make it myself. So, I called up my Mom, got her special recipe and here it is for you all. Believe me, its the best tasting comfort food ever and now, it is extra special coz it reminds me of my wonderful Mom!

Ingredients:

Marinade:

Lamb/Goat/ meat /Beef - 3/4 - 1 pound, minced, cleaned
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
Garam masala powder - 1 tbsp

Mix all well and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator or for at least an hour.

For the Keema masala:

Tomatoes - 2 medium, finely chopped.

Red Onion - 1 n 1/2 large, finely chopped.

Green chilies - 2-3, slit at the center

Ginger garlic paste - 2 tbsp

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Bay leaf - 1

Cloves - 2

Cinnamon - 1 inch stick, broken into smaller pieces

Green Cardamom - 2

Red chili powder - 2 tbsp (suit your taste)

Shahi Jeera/Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp

Coriander seeds powder - 1 tbsp

Clarified Butter - 4 tbsp

Salt to taste.

Coriander leaves - for garnish.

Method:

- Heat the clarified butter in a deep, large pan and add bay leaf and cumin seeds.

- When they start to splutter, add onions and saute till the raw smell is gone.

- Add ginger/garlic paste, turmeric powder and saute till the raw smell is gone

- Next, add the whole spices - cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and saute for a minute.

- Add the tomatoes, mix and add the red chili powder, coriander seeds powder and let the tomatoes cook.

- When the ghee starts oozing out at the corners, add in the minced meat, slit green chilies stir well and let it cook on a medium to low flame, for 15 minutes or till the meat is done to your liking.

- Finally, garnish with the coriander leaves and serve hot with Indian Basmati rice or Naan/Roti.

Tips:

- I love using Ghee [Clarified butter] to prepare this dish as it really brings out a wonderful flavor.
- If you like spicy food, grind the whole spices and use the powder instead of whole ones.

Healthy twist:

- Use extra lean meat.
- You can also use minced chicken for a much healthier option. Just be sure not to over cook it.
- Substitute the Ghee with olive oil