GOAN BEEF CURRY WITH VINEGAR: BEEF VINDALOO BY AARTI

Steps:

• For the wet masala mix:
• In a small skillet over medium-high heat, toast the cumin seeds, cinnamon bark, cloves, and peppercorns until fragrant, about 1 minute. NOTE: if you are using all ground spices, just measure out and place in a small dish. No need to toast.
• Pour into a spice grinder and process until powdered.
• In a small food processor or blender combine the spice mix and the rest of the wet masala ingredients > ginger garlic paste and vinegar. Process until smooth. Set aside.
• Place a large (preferably nonstick) pot over high heat and add the oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the onions and serrano pepper. Stirring frequently, saute the onions until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Don't let them burn! Turn the heat down to medium-high if they're starting to burn.
• Add the wet masala, taking care because it will sizzle. Stir quite vigorously and turn down the heat if it's bubbling too furiously. *Don't wash the food processor bowl yet. Keep stirring, with short pauses, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the masala comes together as one mass, about 2 minutes. Also, you may see little droplets of oil on the perimeter of the masala. That's a good sign!
• Quickly add the meat and stir, coating the meat in the masala. Stir and cook about 5 minutes until the meat browns.
• Remember that dirty food processor bowl? Fill it with 1 cup of hot water (from the tap is fine), swirl it around so it picks up any leftover masala, and pour that into the pot.
• Add salt and pepper, stir, bring the curry to a boil, and then turn it down to a simmer. Cover and cook at least 30 -60 minutes. Then cook with the lid ajar for another 10 minutes to thicken the gravy slightly. This step may take longer until the meat is tender.
• Check the meat at the end of the cooking time; it should be tender and not chewy at all. Adjust the salt if you like.
• Serve over rice, or with chapatis (whole wheat griddle bread) or naan.
• I made a raita recipe#47590. This is cool and creamy and will cut the heat.
• Spread the raita on the flat bread, spoon on the meat mixture & enjoy!
• GINGER GARLIC PASTE:.
• 1/2 cup cloves garlic, whole.
• 1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled, 1/2-inch slices.
• 1/4 cup canola oil.
• Throw the garlic, ginger, and canola oil in a mini-food processor and let it go until it forms a semi-smooth paste. There will still be tiny little pieces in there, but overall, it should resemble a paste.
• Save what you don't use in a small glass jar. It should last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.
• ALTERNATELY, in place of the ginger garlic paste use: 6 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped and 1-inch thumb fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped.