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Flavorful Beef Kofta Curry Recipe Easy Homemade Spiced Tomato Sauce

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A comforting and flavorful beef kofta curry with a rich spiced tomato sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. Juicy beef meatballs infused with aromatic spices simmered in a luscious tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes blended)
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic and ginger, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs if using. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  2. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter, making roughly 16-18 koftas. Place them on a plate and set aside.
  3. Heat the oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, around 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Sprinkle in turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and cinnamon powder. Stir well to coat the onions. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Gently add the beef koftas to the simmering tomato sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the koftas halfway through to ensure even cooking. The koftas should be cooked through and tender, and the sauce thickened and fragrant.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the kofta mixture to keep them tender. Grate the onion for moisture without chunks. Toast spices briefly in oil for deeper flavor. Cook koftas in batches if pan is crowded. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water or simmering longer. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef kofta curry, spiced tomato sauce, easy curry recipe, homemade koftas, Indian beef recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner