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Beef Vindaloo

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Beef Vindaloo is a rich, tangy, and fiery Indian curry inspired by Portuguese flavors. This Goan specialty features tender beef marinated in vinegar and spices, then slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and bold seasonings for a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (including marination)
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Curry
  • Method: Stovetop, Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: Goan, Indian-Portuguese
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs stewing beef, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • Water (to cover)
  • Optional: 1 cup diced potatoes
  • Optional: 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • Optional: Curry leaves

Instructions

  1. Marinate beef with vinegar, salt, and turmeric. Let sit for at least 1 hour.
  2. Blend onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and chili powder into a smooth paste.
  3. Coat the marinated beef in the spice paste and refrigerate for 1–2 hours or overnight.
  4. Heat oil in a pot. Add mustard seeds (if using) and let them pop.
  5. Add marinated beef and sear until browned on all sides.
  6. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and saucy.
  7. Add water to cover the beef. Simmer for 1.5–2 hours or pressure cook for 30 minutes.
  8. Optional: Add diced potatoes before simmering or coconut milk/tamarind paste near the end.
  9. Let rest briefly before serving with rice or naan.

Notes

  • Add potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Reduce chili and add coconut milk for a milder version.
  • Tamarind adds tangy complexity—adjust to taste.
  • Skip second marination step if short on time.
  • Tastes even better the next day—great for meal prep!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/beef-vindaloo/