Iranian Beef Curry
A hearty Iranian-inspired beef curry with tender meat, sweet raisins, and aromatic spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and flavor enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean round steak or chuck roast, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. applesauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 to 3 tsp. curry ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/4 oz.) can beef broth ⓘ
- 2 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. raisins ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat in hot shortening.
- Add onion and applesauce; cook until the onion is tender.
- Blend in flour, curry powder, and nutmeg.
- Add beef broth, tomato sauce, raisins, and brown sugar.
- Cover and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 hour 15 minutes, or bake in the oven at 325°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a well-balanced flavor, adjust the curry powder to your taste; start with 1 teaspoon and increase as desired. If you want a thicker sauce, you can use cornstarch instead of flour. For a fruity twist, consider adding diced apples or apricots. This dish pairs well with rice or naan, making it a versatile option for any meal. Be sure to brown the meat properly for a richer flavor in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Iranian Beef Curry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving it with cutlets to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Iranian Beef Curry contains roughly 1275 calories, with 15g protein, 227g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2024mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as brisket or flank steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose. For a more tender result, opt for cuts that have more marbling.
Is it possible to make this curry ahead of time?
Absolutely! This curry actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it before serving. It’s a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What can I substitute for raisins in this recipe?
If you don’t have raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a similar sweet flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the dried fruit entirely for a less sweet curry, or add fresh diced apples for a different texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).