Description
Keema Aloo is a hearty, one-pot dish featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices. This comforting and flavorful South Asian classic pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, or flatbreads, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 extra-large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated
- 1 serrano chile pepper, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, dice the potatoes, and gather all other ingredients.
- Cook Onions: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 12 minutes until softened and slightly browned. Add 2 tablespoons of water if the onions stick.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, garlic, ginger, serrano chile, and cilantro to the pan. Cook and stir for 10–15 minutes until the beef is browned and crumbled.
- Add Spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in coriander, salt, cumin, cayenne, and turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the spices’ aroma.
- Incorporate Potatoes and Tomatoes: Add the diced potatoes and canned tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Peas and Finish: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Sprinkle the garam masala over the top, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or flatbreads.
Notes
- Milder Spice: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and serrano chile for a less spicy version.
- Protein Options: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or plant-based meat.
- Leftover-Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Freezing Instructions: Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South Asian