Beef Fry/ Kerala Pepper Beef Fry

Kerala Beef Fry

Beef Fry (Kerala Style) is very popular especially in Tattukadas or fast food outlets. It can also be made at home. If you are not familiar with tattukadas they are makeshift eateries flocked by local people throughout the day and serve local delicacies. Beef curry or beef varattiyathu is also served in thattukadas and restaurants in Kerala. Beef fry and Kerala layered parotta is a popular combo. It’s a great side dish for a crowd, so next time you have a party, you should give this a try. It is an easy recipe and tastes super delicious.
Now when I say beef fry it might get a bit of a bad rap in the ‘wellness world’. Let me assure you this beef fry is finger-licking delicious with bold flavors. Even though it is called beef fry it is not deep-fried. The beef is first cooked with aromatic spices and then further pan-fried or roasted till the meat gets coated with masala's and crispy on the outside. The beef is succulent with the right amount of heat and flavor. The bold earthy spices, especially black pepper, acidity from the vinegar and the wonderful aroma of coconut oil and curry leaves do all the magic to this dish. There are other special ingredient-roasted coconut slices. It adds a crunch and a little sweetness to every bite. If you are a fan of coconut try adding some thinly sliced coconut with your beef fry. This beef fry is towards the spicy side, but you can adjust and make it your own. This goes well with rice,chapathi or parottas. Give this recipe a try, you will surely love it.

Cooking time- 40 minutes
Recipe type- Side dish/meat
Cuisine- Kerala /India

Ingredients
Beef - 1/2 kg
Onion sliced- 1 large
Shallots - 15-20
Ginger thinly sliced- 3-4 tsp
Garlic sliced- 3-4 tsp
Ginger garlic paste- 2 tsp
Green chilly slit- 5-6
Tomato chopped- 1
Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
Pepper powder- 1 tsp
Chilly powder 1/2 (optional)
Garam Masala- 1 tsp
Fennel powder- 1/2 tsp
Coconut slices- 1/2 cup
Grated coconut- 1 tsp
Vinegar- 2 tsp
Cloves-2
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves
Coconut oil- 3 tsp
salt to taste

Cut beef into small cubes and marinate with turmeric powder, pepper powder, ginger-garlic paste,garam masala and salt for half an hour. You can also marinate it overnight for more tender and flavorful meat.
In a pressure cooker add the marinated meat, crushed shallots, green chilly, and chopped tomatoes, vinegar and a half cup of water and cook till the meat is done ( Three whistles - if the water remains open and cook till all the water evaporates).
Heat coconut oil in a pan and add two cloves, coconut slices, and curry leaves and fry till the coconut slices become golden brown.
Add sliced ginger, garlic and onions and fry till golden brown. Now add the cooked meat and fry in medium heat for 8-10 minutes until all the masala is well coated and slightly crispy on the outside. Add fennel powder( you can add a pinch of pepper powder and garam masala if you like for extra flavor) and garnish with coriander leaves and lemon wedges. Serve warm with parotta, chapathi or rice.