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Coconut Beef Curry with Plantain & Turmeric Rice

Coconut Beef Curry with Plantain & Turmeric Rice

A hearty coconut beef curry with tender squash, golden fried plantain and turmeric rice — comforting, colourful and built for a generous family dinner.

75 mins total for first methodServes 4Deep Fried

Ingredients

Method

20 mins prep55 mins cook75 mins total
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wide casserole or deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 8 minutes until soft and lightly golden.

  2. Stir in the garlic and ginger for 1 minute, then add the beef mince. Fry for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and any excess moisture has cooked off.

  3. Add the squash, curry powder, cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric and chilli flakes. Stir for 1 minute so the spices coat the beef and squash.

  4. Pour in the coconut milk and hot beef stock. Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and the sauce is thick and glossy. Season with salt and lime juice to taste.

  5. Meanwhile, cook the rice with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric according to the packet instructions, then fluff with a fork and keep warm.

  6. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the plantain slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden at the edges, then drain on kitchen paper and season lightly.

  7. Spoon the turmeric rice into bowls, ladle over the coconut beef curry and top with fried plantain, coriander and lime wedges.

Notes

Use ripe plantain with yellow skin and black patches so it fries sweet and soft. If using very lean mince, add a splash more oil while browning.

About this recipe

This coconut beef curry brings together browned mince, sweet squash and warm spices in a rich coconut sauce, then finishes the bowl with crisp-edged plantain and fragrant turmeric rice.

It is a practical one-pan curry for the hob with plenty of texture: soft squash in the sauce, fluffy rice underneath and lime-spiked plantain on top.