Beef Masala Curry

My family loves curry. The first time I made it, however, it was a sandy, crunchy awful deal-breaker. There's something about the exotic spices and punch in the tastebuds about curry that makes my begging for more. Ever get hooked on a dish from a corner of the word you wish you could see? We have! Eventually, you'll have the need to make this comfort food yourself - it's quite satisfying. How to you avoid sandy, crunchy awful curry you ask? Don't rush it - let the meat simmer and most importantly, let those fragrant spices and juicy onions simmer together. That'll create the spicy, savoury and sweet goodness that makes this dish so comforting. Its astonishing taste will have you wiping your plate clean.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Category: Supper & Special Occassions
• Cuisine: Indian
• Cooking Method: Stove-top

Ingredients

• 2 lb stewing beef (cut into 1 inch cubes )
• 1 large onion (chopped )
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped )
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp tumeric
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp coriander
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 cup beef stock (Better Than Bouillon is best)

Instructions

1. Heat oil on medium heat, once hot add chopped onions, garlic, spices, salt and pepper.
2. After 3 minutes, the onions will be translucent. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar and bring to a boil.
3. Carefully pour this mixture into the food processor and blend into smooth.
4. Brown the meat on all sides in the original pan, add more oil if necessary. Pour in the blended spice mixture, stock and add lemon zest.
5. Cover with the lid and cook for 30 minutes on medium-high. Serve over steamed rice and top with chopped cilantro.