Beef Varattiyath - Kerala Spicy Beef fry

Introduction

Beef Varattiyathu, also known as Beef Ularthiyathu, is a flavorful and spicy Kerala-style beef fry. It's a popular dish in Kerala cuisine and is often enjoyed as a side dish with rice or as a snack. It's a flavorful and spicy preparation of beef that's often enjoyed as a side dish with rice or as an accompaniment to traditional Kerala meals. The word "varattiyath" refers to the cooking technique used, which involves slow-cooking the beef with a blend of aromatic spices until it becomes tender and well-seasoned.

Here's a detailed step-by-step recipe to make Beef Varattiyathu:

Ingredients:

• Beef, cut into small pieces:  500 grams

• Onions, finely sliced:   2 no's

• Green chilies, slit:    3 no's

• Ginger-garlic paste:  1 tablespoon 

• Turmeric powder:    1/2 teaspoon

• Red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference):  1 tablespoon 

• Coriander powder:  1 tablespoon

• Garam masala:  1/2 teaspoon

• Black pepper powder:  1/2 teaspoon

• Salt:   to taste

• Curry leaves:  2-3 sprigs

• Coconut oil:  2-3 tablespoons

• Water: as needed

Instructions:

Marinate the Beef:

• In a bowl, combine the beef pieces with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

• Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate it longer for more flavor, even overnight in the refrigerator.

Cook the Beef:

• In a pressure cooker, heat 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium-high heat.

• Add the marinated beef and sear it until it turns brown on all sides. This will help seal in the flavors.

• Once the beef is browned, add enough water to cover the meat. Pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the beef is tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the beef pieces and the type of meat. If using a regular pot, it may take longer to cook.

Prepare the Spices:

• In a small bowl, mix the garam masala and black pepper powder. Set aside.

Fry the Beef:

• In a large pan or kadai, heat the remaining coconut oil over medium heat.

• Add the sliced onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized.

• Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

• Add the cooked beef to the pan along with any remaining broth from the pressure cooker. Mix well.

• Allow the beef to cook in the pan without stirring too often. Let it develop a nice brown color by roasting on medium heat. This step may take about 10-15 minutes

• Add the curry leaves and the garam masala-black pepper powder mix to the beef. Continue to roast and stir for another 5-7 minutes until the beef is well-cooked and slightly crispy.

• Taste and adjust the salt and spice level according to your preference. You can add more red chili powder or black pepper powder if needed.

• Beef Varattiyathu is now ready to be served. It pairs well with rice, appam, paratha, or even as a snack.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy Kerala-style Beef Varattiyathu!