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Saag Gosht

Saag Gosht

The ultimate comfort food, Saag Gosht is a rich and flavorful Punjabi Beef and Spinach Curry that will warm your heart and soul. Tender beef is simmered with vibrant spinach and a blend of aromatic spices, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Indulge in this easy weeknight dinner tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Blender
  • Skillet
  • Frying Pan
  • Oven
  • Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1/2 inch cubes, patted dry and sprinkled with salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or butter (paleo: use grass fed or substitute more oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala click link for our homemade blend
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 roma tomatoes chopped
  • 2 tablespoons plain whole fat yogurt
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 5 green cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 10 ounce frozen chopped spinach thawed and thoroughly drained

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil and ghee in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Watch as the fat begins to shimmer, which indicates it's hot enough for cooking. This is the perfect time to add the beef. Fry the beef cubes until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This browning step is essential for developing complex flavors, so take your time. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the onions and sauté for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they caramelize and turn golden brown. This process enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish. As you stir, you’ll notice the lovely aromas filling your kitchen. Once they’re beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Now, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, sweet paprika, turmeric, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and garam masala. Stir and let them toast for a minute or so, releasing their wonderful fragrances. This step is crucial as it blooms the spices, enhancing their flavors.
  • Next, mix in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and meld with the spices.
  • Now, it’s time to stir in the yogurt, which will provide creaminess and richness to the dish. Once the yogurt is incorporated, add back the browned beef, along with the beef stock, bay leaf, cardamom pods, and salt. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender beef that practically falls apart.
  • After an hour, add the thawed and drained spinach to the pot. This is where the dish gets its vibrant green color and nutritional boost. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the spinach to absorb the flavors.
  • As the time nears, taste for seasoning. This is your chance to adjust the salt to your preference. A pinch more can elevate the dish even further.
  • Once done, serve your Saag Gosht hot with steamed Basmati rice or naan. The warmth and complexity of this dish will surely impress your family and friends.

Notes

When it comes to making a memorable Saag Gosht, keeping a few helpful notes in mind can make all the difference. Here are some tips to consider:
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Freezing: You can freeze Saag Gosht for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed Basmati rice, naan, or even a side of raita for a refreshing touch.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Feel free to add some chili powder for an extra kick!
  • Cooking Pot: A heavy pot or Dutch oven works best to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
Keyword Indian Beef Curry, Punjabi Cooking, Saag Gosht Recipe, Spinach Curry