John'S Curry
John's Curry offers a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender meat with aromatic spices, vegetables, and dried fruits. Its rich, savory profile is complemented by tangy lemon juice and sweet raisins, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold, comforting flavors with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef or chicken, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 2 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 or 2 pieces garlic, crushed or 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 large or 2 small carrots, grated ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. raisins ⓘ
- lemon juice from 1 to 2 lemons ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. curry mix or curry powder ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic in 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter.
- Set aside the sautéed vegetables.
- Brown the meat in a frying pan and transfer it to a large pot.
- Make a gravy in the frying pan with drippings, and thicken it with a small amount of flour if desired.
- Add all ingredients, including the sautéed vegetables, to the meat and simmer until the meat is done.
- Cook rice as directed on the package.
- Cut up boiled eggs, tomato, pineapple, banana, raisins, and coconut into small pieces and place in small dishes.
- Serve the curry over rice with the side dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the meat in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder works well. You can substitute the beef or chicken with lamb or tofu for a different twist. Adding coconut milk will create a creamier texture, enhancing the dish's richness, similar to Kheema (Ground Meat).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the curry over a bed of fluffy rice, which absorbs the delicious flavors. Consider pairing it with naan or roti for a traditional touch. For a delightful presentation, arrange small dishes of chopped boiled eggs, fresh tomatoes, and fruits like pineapple and banana alongside the curry. This dish pairs beautifully with Indian recipes, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Curries often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John'S Curry contains roughly 227 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 881mg per serving (38% 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 make this curry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the curry a day in advance. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight. Just reheat it on the stove, adding a little water or stock to ensure it doesn't dry out.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you don't have raisins, chopped dried apricots or dates can be excellent substitutes, adding a similar sweetness. You can also omit them altogether if you prefer a savory flavor.
Is this curry spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted to your taste. The curry powder has a mild flavor, but you can add chili powder or fresh chilies for extra heat if desired. Start with a small amount and increase to your preference.
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).