Kerala Beef Masala and Beef Roast (Varattiyathu)

Here is the recipe for making Kerala style Beef in two ways – Nadan Beef Masala and Beef Roast. You can prepare Beef with a nice thick, masala gravy known as Beef Masala, which can be served with Rice or Rotis. Beef Masala can also be pan roasted to make Beef Roast or Erachi Varattiyathu which is completely dry. It can be served as a side dish with Rice or as a starter/appetizer.

 

You can also add Slices of Coconut (Thenga Kothu) while preparing Beef Masala. The good thing about Beef Roast is that it uses very little oil. Beef is simply dry roasted in a pan. Thatthukada Style Beef Roast is quite popular in Kerala.

Ingredients

1. Beef (cubed into bite sized pieces) – 1 kg
2. Meat Masala Powder – 1 tbsp (I used Eastern Meat Masala)
3. Coriander Powder – 1 tbsp
4. Red chilly powder – 1 tsp
5. Onion (thinly sliced) – 1 large
6. Tomatoes (chopped) – 1 large
7. Slit Green Chillies – 4
8. Curry Leaves – A sprig
9. Cilantro (Coriander leaves/Malliyella) – A few
10. Oil – 2 tbsp
11. Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
12. Salt – As required

For Dry Roasting

1. Meat Masala Powder – 2 tbsp
2. Coriander Powder – 1 tbsp
3. Red chilly powder – 1 tsp

For Marinating Beef

1. Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
2. Ginger Paste – 1 tbsp
3. Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
4. Black Pepper Powder – 1/2 tsp
5. Salt – to taste

Preparation Method

1. Wash and clean the beef thoroughly and drain out excess water if any. You can add a pinch of turmeric while cleaning the meat.
2. Dry roast 2 tbsp meat masala powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder and 1 tsp chilly powder on low flame until it changes color (2-3 minutes).
3. Marinate the beef pieces with the above roasted masala powders, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp pepper and salt. Keep it aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour if time permits.
4. Pressure cook the marinated beef along with a little water (1/2 cup) on medium-high heat for up to 2-3 whistles. You may have to cook it for more time, depending on the type of meat. Alternatively, you can cook the beef in a heavy pan for around 45 minutes.
5. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non stick pan and splutter mustard seeds.
6. Add onions, curry leaves and green chillies and saute till the onions are translucent.
7. Add tomatoes and saute till the tomatoes are cooked and mashed.
8. Reduce heat, add 1 tsp chilly powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp meat masala powder and stir-fry for a few minutes till the oil begins to separate from the masala.
9. Add the pressure cooked beef along with its gravy to the above pan and mix everything well.
10. Sprinkle some cilantro leaves.
11. Cover and cook on medium low flame for another 10-15 minutes, till the gravy thickens and is finely coated on the beef pieces.
12. Serve this spicy beef masala along with rice or rotis.
13. To make Beef Dry Roast or Beef Varattiyathu, uncover the pan and roast the beef masala on medium high flame for around 10 minutes till the water evaporates completely and the beef is dry and brown in color.