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