Keema
A hearty and flavorful dish combining spiced ground beef with rice, peas, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions in a large kettle.
- Fry hamburger in a saucepan. When hamburger is half browned, add 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup catsup, onion salt, garlic salt, turmeric, curry powder, and salt.
- Add 3 cups rice to the hamburger mixture after the hamburger is browned.
- Add whole cloves to the hamburger mixture.
- Add bay leaves to the rice.
- Add peas and their juice to the hamburger mixture.
- Add 1 quart of water to the rice mixture and bring to a boil.
- Add more water if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Simmer the hamburger mixture with a lid.
- When rice is 3/4 done, put the mixture in a heated oven at 450°F for not more than 1 hour.
- Serve the hamburger mixture over the rice mixture.
- Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or chopped bell peppers to the hamburger mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger if desired. Adjust the spices to your taste; for a milder dish, reduce the curry powder. Adding a splash of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors, making it reminiscent of traditional Indian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the keema over the rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness. Pair with a side of naan or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Pork-Curry Pockets for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Keema contains roughly 281 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (122% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, so add additional water and simmer until the rice is tender.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Keema freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until fully warmed.
What can I use instead of peas?
If you don't have peas on hand, you can substitute with chopped green beans, corn, or even diced carrots for sweetness. Each of these alternatives adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish while maintaining the overall integrity of the keema.
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).