Nadan Beef Fry

Nadan Beef Fry

Nadan Beef Fry

Thinly sliced beef slow-cooked with shallots, coconut slivers, and an aromatic blend of whole spices, then dry-roasted (ularthiyathu) until each piece is dark, intensely flavoured, and just caramelised at the edges. The most iconic dish of Kerala's Syrian Christian table.

Cuisines

Travancore Kerala Kerala Christian Malabar

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Total: 60 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

500 grams beef, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
10 shallots, sliced
2 green chilies, slit
1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons red chili powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon pepper powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 cup coconut slices
10 curry leaves
1 lemon, juiced
salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1 Clean and cut the beef into small cubes.
  2. 2 In a pressure cooker, add the beef, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, pepper powder, salt, and a little water.
  3. 3 Pressure cook the beef for about 3-4 whistles or until tender.
  4. 4 Heat coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  5. 5 Add sliced shallots, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the shallots turn golden brown.
  6. 6 Add the cooked beef along with any remaining liquid from the pressure cooker.
  7. 7 Add garam masala and mix well. Cook on medium heat until the beef starts to fry and becomes dry.
  8. 8 Add coconut slices and curry leaves. Continue to fry until the coconut slices turn golden brown.
  9. 9 Squeeze lemon juice over the beef fry, mix well, and remove from heat.

Tips

For an authentic taste, use fresh coconut oil and adjust the spice levels to your preference.