Beef Varattiyathu/ Spicy Kerala Beef Roast

My immediate connection to “Beef Roast” are those blissful school days when my uncle used to surprise us (on his way back home) with beef roast on some damp evenings…needless to say, it used to smirk me up. And I remember, messy plantain leaves were used for packing…the sight then (some would say) was awful with oil dripping from the leaves…not to me, I used to be wide-eyed and drooling at the mere sight of the packet. My hubby is an equal beef lover as I am (so many similarities…can’t help but smile) and he encouraged me to make beef at home. We do our best not to buy red meat regularly, but an occasional feast on this……

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30-40minutes
Serves: 3-4

You need:
500 gms beef (cubed)

To marinate:
1 tbsp chilly powder
½ tsp pepper powder
1tsp coriander powder
1tsp fennel powder
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp garam masala
salt to taste

For the masala:
1 cup shallots (pearl onions)
2 sprigs of curry leaves
¼ cup coconut cuts (cut into tiny squares)
½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp fennel powder
½ tsp coriander powder
1tbsp pepper powder (adjust accordingly)
½ tsp garam masala
salt to taste
water as required
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp coconut oil

Step-by-step:

Wash the beef cubes thoroughly

Mix it with the first set of ingredients and allow it to marinate for an hour (If you are running short of time, you can cook beef directly without marinating)

Pressure cook the beef with all the masala for 5-6 whistles (water is not required while pressure cooking beef, but I don’t want it to burn so I add 1/4 cup water)

Heat cooking oil in a non-stick kadhai. Add the julienned shallots and curry leaves. Fry till golden brown. Add the coconut bits and fry for another minute (I’ve not added coconut bits today but it’s usually added to beef roast)

Add all the masala powders and fry for 2-3 minutes

Add the cooked beef along with the stock and simmer until it is partly dry (relax and enjoy the aroma...hmmm:) )

Turn off the flame and sprinkle a tbsp of coconut oil

Your Beef Varattiyathu is ready to be served… it tastes best the next day, so keep some aside.

It’s a yummy accompaniment with kerala parotas or chapattis. It can be served as an appetizer too!!

Yours tastefully!!