Welcome to the aromatic world of Keema Karahi! Originating from the heart of South Asia, this dish is a delightful blend of minced meat cooked in a flavorful spice mix, creating a symphony of taste and aroma that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

While the traditional recipe calls for beef, you can easily customize it with lamb or chicken according to your preference.

Keema Karahi, though rich in flavors, is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. With just a handful of ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends.

The secret behind the deliciousness of Keema Karahi lies in the harmonious combination of spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala, which infuse the minced meat with layers of flavor.

The addition of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes further enhances the taste, while frozen peas add a pop of color and texture to the dish.

Whether you’re craving a comforting meal for a cozy night in or planning a festive feast, Keema Karahi is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Expert Tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the minced meat with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or cooked lentils for a hearty and nutritious alternative.

Ingredients

Mince Beef, Lamb, or Chicken: Minced meat adds protein and richness to the dish. It absorbs the flavors of the spices and vegetables, resulting in a savory and satisfying meal.

Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and cooking the meat, oil adds richness and helps in achieving the desired texture of the dish.

Onion: Finely chopped onions not only provide a sweet and savory base to the dish but also add depth of flavor and aroma when caramelized.

Garlic: Minced garlic lends a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste profile.

Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and a subtle spiciness to the dish, complementing the other spices and ingredients.

Tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes contribute acidity and sweetness to the dish, balancing the flavors of the spices and meat.

Coriander Powder: Ground coriander adds a citrusy and earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing its aromatic profile.

Cumin Powder: Cumin powder provides a warm and slightly nutty flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the spice mix.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder adds vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor to the dish, along with its health benefits.

Chilli Powder: Red chili powder adds heat and spiciness to the dish, allowing you to adjust the level of heat according to your preference.

Garam Masala: A blend of ground spices, garam masala adds warmth and complexity to the dish, tying together all the flavors.

Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt enhances the taste of the dish and helps balance the flavors of the other ingredients.

Peas: Frozen peas add sweetness, color, and texture to the dish, providing a delightful contrast to the rich and savory minced meat.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves, used as a garnish, add a burst of freshness and bright flavor to the finished dish, elevating its presentation and taste.

Expert Tip: To enhance the aroma of the dish, lightly toast whole spices such as cumin seeds and coriander seeds before grinding them into a powder.

Serving Suggestions

• Naan or Rice: Keema Karahi pairs beautifully with freshly baked naan bread or steamed rice. The soft and pillowy texture of naan complements the hearty flavors of the dish, while rice serves as a simple and comforting base, allowing you to fully enjoy the rich sauce and tender minced meat.
• Raita: Serve a side of cooling cucumber raita alongside Keema Karahi to balance out the spices and add a refreshing element to your meal. Made with yogurt, cucumber, and a hint of spices, raita provides a creamy and soothing contrast to the bold flavors of the dish.
• Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad makes a delightful accompaniment to Keema Karahi, offering a burst of freshness and crunch. Toss together a simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, dressed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and vibrant side dish.
• Pickles and Chutneys: Serve a selection of pickles and chutneys on the side to add a burst of tanginess and sweetness to your meal. Choose from mango chutney, lime pickle, or mixed pickle for a flavorful and zesty accompaniment that complements the robust flavors of Keema Karahi.
• Yogurt: A dollop of creamy yogurt can be served alongside Keema Karahi to temper the spices and provide a cooling contrast to the dish. Simply spoon a generous portion of yogurt onto your plate and enjoy its soothing effect with each bite of the flavorful minced meat.

Expert Tip: For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and lamb mince.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adjust the spice level of Keema Karahi?

You can easily adjust the spice level of Keema Karahi by varying the amount of chili powder used in the recipe. Start with a smaller quantity if you prefer a milder flavor, and gradually increase it according to your taste preferences.

Can I use frozen minced meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen minced meat for Keema Karahi. Ensure that the meat is thoroughly thawed before cooking, and drain any excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

Can I make Keema Karahi in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Keema Karahi in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Can I freeze Keema Karahi?

Yes, Keema Karahi can be frozen for longer storage. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

What can I substitute for peas in this recipe?

If you prefer, you can substitute peas with other vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or green beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Lamb Karahi
• Chicken Karahi
• Keema Curry
• Keema Rice
• Vegetable Karahi

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Keema Karahi

by Nabeela Kauser

Dive into the delightful world of Pakistani cuisine with our Keema Karahi recipe. Easy to master, this flavourful and spicy dish, featuring succulent minced meat and an aromatic blend of spices, promises a delightful culinary journey for your taste buds.

5 from 10 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 495 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Mince Beef, lamb, or chicken
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 1 Onion Finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 1 inch Ginger Grated
• ▢ 2 Tomatoes
• ▢ 2 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 100 g Peas Frozen
• ▢ Coriander Garnish

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a large skillet or karahi over medium heat.
• Sauté the chopped onion until it turns golden brown.
• Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until a fragrant aroma arises.
• Introduce the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and continue cooking until the oil separates from the masala mixture, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
• Combine the ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the spices into the masala mixture.
• Add the minced meat to the skillet, ensuring it is well-coated with the masala. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally.
• Incorporate the frozen peas into the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are heated through.
• Taste the dish and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top for garnish.
• Serve the dish hot with naan or rice.

Notes

Adjust the quantity of red chilli powder to suit your preferred level of spiciness.

If desired, add diced bell peppers or carrots, or any other vegetables of your choice.

This dish goes well with naan bread, rice, or roti.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 495kcalCarbohydrates: 104gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 1295mgPotassium: 304mgFibre: 6gSugar: 89gVitamin A: 859IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cooking, Curry, Food, Karahi, Keema, Meat, Minced Meat, Ramadan, Recipe

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