Irachi Varattiyathu !! (Spicy fried Beef )

This is a spicy meat preparation,an all time favorite of Kerala.The meat should be cooked well and then roasted with coconut oil and spices.The slow mixing procedure along with the perfect blend of coconut oil and spices give it a rich and aromatic flavor.The term varattiyathu refers to something being roasted for a while.Buffalo meat will be the best choice to make this dish,to my experience so far.

Ingredients

To pressure cook the meat:

• 500 gms beef cut into 3/4 inch cubes
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 small piece of ginger crushed
• Half cup small coconut pieces (optional)
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 3/4 cup water
• salt as required

To Roast :

1 medium size onion sliced finely

1 cup sliced shallots

1 small piece of ginger crushed

6-7 cloves of garlic crushed

2 green chillies cut lengthwise

2 tsp chilly powder

3 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp crushed black peppercorns

1 tbsp garam masala (heat and powder 2 inch piece of cinnamon,4 cloves,2 cardamoms and 1 tsp fennel seeds)

2 sprig curry leaves

coconut oil,salt as needed

Preparation

• Pressure cook the beef .After the first whistle,reduce the flame and cook for 15 mts.
• Heat a heavy bottomed vessel (uruli/cheenachatty) and pour coconut oil.
• Throw the sliced onion, shallots,green chillies,ginger and garlic and saute well till shallots change into light brown in colour.
• Add all the spices/powders in the roasting section and mix well till the raw smell disappears.
• Pour in the cooked meat along with the stock.Mix it well and roast slowly till the spices coat over the meat.
• Check the seasoning and add some more curry leaves.
• Serve hot with rice,appam or puttu