Sri Lankan Style Spicy Beef Stew

Immerse yourself in the bold and aromatic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine with this Sri Lankan Style Spicy Beef Stew, a dish that perfectly balances heat, creaminess, and rich spices. Tender chunks of beef are simmered to perfection in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and fennel, all enveloped in luscious coconut milk. Fresh curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and tangy lime juice infuse the stew with layers of complexity, while a medley of warming spices like turmeric, chili, and garam masala adds depth and spice. This hearty stew is perfect for cozy dinners, served piping hot alongside steamed rice, soft roti, or crusty bread. Bursting with authentic Sri Lankan flavors, this recipe is a must-try for spice lovers and adventurous food enthusiasts alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef (stewing cuts, cubed)
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium tomato (diced)
• 4 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 8 leaves curry leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 3 whole cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 200 ml water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, fennel seeds, and curry leaves. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down into a paste, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Add the turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the tomato mixture with the spices.

Step 7

Add the cubed beef to the pot. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef with the spice mixture and sauté for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the coconut milk and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Taste and add salt as needed.

Step 11

Once the beef is tender and the stew has thickened, stir in the lime juice.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1423.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1864.7

Total Fat 130.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 2919.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.4g	0%
Total Sugars 41.6g
Protein 97.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 362.6mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 2929.8mg	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: 61.1%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 18.7%