Ceylon Beef Curry

Dive into the rich and aromatic flavors of Ceylon Beef Curry, a classic Sri Lankan-inspired dish that balances tender, slow-cooked beef with a luscious coconut milk base. Infused with a medley of warming spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and a distinctive touch of Ceylon cinnamon, this curry is further elevated by fresh curry leaves, vibrant green chilies, and a splash of tangy lime juice. The hearty cubes of beef are simmered to perfection, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or pillowy flatbreads. With its bold flavors, creamy consistency, and fragrant garnish of fresh cilantro, this recipe is an irresistible option for curry lovers seeking authentic, comforting cuisine. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish brings the taste of Sri Lanka straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Beef (chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 400 ml Coconut milk
• 1 large Onion (finely chopped)
• 4 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp Ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 2 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 2-inch piece Ceylon cinnamon stick
• 2 Green chilies (sliced lengthwise)
• 1 large Tomato (chopped)
• 10 leaves Curry leaves
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 250 ml Water
• 1 tbsp Lime juice
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the garlic, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Mix in the turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, and paprika, stirring the spices into the onion mix for about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Add the beef cubes and stir to coat them in the spices. Cook for 5 minutes until the beef is lightly browned on all sides.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for 5 more minutes until the tomato softens.

Step 7

Add the cinnamon stick, salt, and water, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 8

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the beef cook gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

After an hour, stir in the coconut milk and continue to simmer uncovered for another 20–25 minutes until the curry thickens and the beef is tender.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then stir in the lime juice.

Step 11

Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1647.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1816.7

Total Fat 129.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 375mg	0%
Sodium 2836.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 44.2g
Protein 102.4g	0%

Vitamin D 35IU	0%
Calcium 287.7mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 2979.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.5%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 16.9%