Beef Ularthiyathu

Beef Ularthiyathu

Beef Ularthiyathu

Kerala dry beef fry — lean beef cubed and pressure-cooked with turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, pepper, ginger, garlic, and shallots until completely tender, then transferred to a heavy iron pan or wok with coconut oil, sliced coconut pieces (thenga kothu), dried red chilli, curry leaves, and fresh ginger julienne, and stir-fried over high heat until all the moisture evaporates and the beef and coconut pieces are dark, caramelised, and crispy at the edges. The coconut pieces become slightly charred and chewy and carry the spice coating; the beef is dry, intensely flavoured, and dark-brown. The quintessential Syrian Christian Travancore preparation; made for Onam, Easter, and Christmas feasts and brought in tins to weddings and long journeys. Eaten with kappa, appam, or plain rice.

Cuisines

Travancore Kerala Christian Malabar

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

500 grams beef, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 cup sliced shallots
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 teaspoons red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 cup coconut slices
2 sprigs curry leaves
2 green chilies, slit
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
2 cardamom pods
salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat coconut oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
  2. 2 Add the sliced shallots and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  3. 3 Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
  4. 4 Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, coriander powder, and fennel seeds. Sauté for a minute.
  5. 5 Add the beef cubes and stir well to coat with the spices.
  6. 6 Add cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Mix well.
  7. 7 Add salt to taste and cover the pan. Cook on low heat until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
  8. 8 In a separate pan, dry roast the coconut slices until they are golden brown.
  9. 9 Add the roasted coconut slices, curry leaves, and green chilies to the beef. Mix well and cook for another 5-10 minutes.
  10. 10 Serve hot with rice or bread.

Tips

For an authentic flavor, use freshly ground spices and tender cuts of beef.