Kerala Beef Stir Fry

The Syrian Christian population in South India is known for its fiery beef and pork dishes using fresh coconut and lots of peppers. 

Makes 4 cups

ingredients

8 ounces flank steak (frozen briefly for ease of slicing)

4 tablespoons coconut oil 

1 teaspoon black mustard seeds

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1/2 cup sliced shallots

8 to 10 kari leaves

2 tablespoons ginger purée 

1 teaspoon minced garlic

10 to 12 whole red chilis

1 teaspoon ground turmeric
 

2 green bell peppers sliced

1 serrano pepper, thinly sliced into wheels

1 teaspoon sea salt
 

2 tablespoons freshly chopped or grated coconut

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons toasted cashews

instructions

Slice the beef as thinly as possible and set aside until ready to cook.

In a heavy wok or a frying pan, heat the coconut oil and pop the mustard seeds then add the crushed black pepper, shallots, and kari leaves. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes then add the ginger purée, minced garlic, red chilis, and turmeric.

On high heat, almost immediately after, add the beef, then the bell peppers, serrano, and salt. The beef and the vegetables should cook in 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and fold in the cilantro, coconut, and cashews.

notes & variations

• Replace beef with thin slices of portobello mushroom for a vegetarian option.

• Sliced lamb or chicken can replace the beef.

• Instead of bell peppers, use thinly sliced mushrooms or carrots.

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