Keema Curry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s packed with bold, warming spices.

It cooks quickly compared to many other curries.

It’s versatile and pairs well with rice or bread.

It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

You can easily adjust the spice level to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup water or beef broth
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat in the spices.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce the heat and let the curry simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
8. Stir in the peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add diced potatoes for a heartier version.

Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Stir in a spoonful of yogurt or cream for extra richness.

Add chopped green chilies for more heat.

Include spinach toward the end of cooking for added nutrition.

Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned when in season.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Keema Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Keema Curry freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What does “keema” mean?

“Keema” refers to minced or ground meat used in the dish.

Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for meal prep.

Is Keema Curry very spicy?

It has moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the chili powder to your preference.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based ground alternatives.

What is the best meat to use?

Ground lamb is traditional, but ground beef is also commonly used.

Can I add coconut milk?

Yes, coconut milk adds creaminess and a slightly different flavor profile.

What should I serve with Keema Curry?

It pairs well with basmati rice, naan, or chapati.

How do I thicken the curry?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency.

Can I cook this in advance for a party?

Yes, it reheats very well and is great for serving a crowd.

How do I prevent the meat from clumping?

Break it apart with a spoon as it browns and stir frequently.

Conclusion

Keema Curry is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender minced meat with aromatic spices and a rich tomato base. Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it with rice or warm bread for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Keema Curry

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Keema Curry is a rich and aromatic South Asian dish made with minced meat simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. Quick to prepare and deeply flavorful, this comforting curry pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: South Asian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
5. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with spices.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and water or broth. Stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors develop.
8. Stir in peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

• Adjust chili powder to control spice level.
• Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce as desired.
• Add diced potatoes for a heartier variation.
• Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Ground lamb provides traditional flavor, but beef works well too.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg