Name: Mum’s Savory Beef and Potato Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tsp canola oil; 1 baking apple, peeled, cored, diced; ½ medium onion, chopped; 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 7 oz jar mild curry paste; 1½ lb stew meat, trimmed and cubed; ½ cup water; 1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk; 2 tsp ground coriander; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp garam masala; 2 Tbsp water (for spice paste); 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

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Short Description

A comforting and flavorful curry from Mum’s kitchen featuring tender stew meat and hearty potatoes simmered in a mildly spiced coconut gravy with hints of apple, onion, and fresh ginger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and comforting: Slow-simmered stew meat and potatoes absorb the aromatic curry flavors
Complex yet mild: Mild curry paste balanced by fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from apple
One-pot convenience: Minimal prep and cleanup—perfect for cozy family dinners
Adaptable sides: Delicious served with rice, raita, chutney, or naan

Ingredients

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

1 tsp canola oil
1 baking apple (Gala or similar), peeled, cored, and diced ¼-inch
½ medium onion, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
7 oz jar of mild curry paste (e.g., Patak’s)
1½ lb stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1‑inch pieces
½ cup water
1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp garam masala
2 Tbsp water (for spice paste)
4 small russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1‑inch pieces

Directions

Heat the canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced apple, chopped onion, and ginger; sauté until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
Stir in curry paste and minced garlic. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the stew meat and ½ cup water. Increase heat to medium–high and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the meat to brown and juices to release.
Pour in the light coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat to low.
In a small bowl, stir together ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, and 2 tablespoons water to create a spice paste. Add this paste and the potatoes to the curry, stir to combine.
Cover the saucepan partially (lid ajar) and simmer on low for approximately 2 hours, or until the sauce thickens and the meat and potatoes are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional spices, salt, or curry paste as desired.
Serve hot over basmati rice, accompanied by raita and mango chutney.

Servings And Timing

Makes about 6 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~2 hours 10 minutes
Total time: ~2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetable version: Substitute beef with chickpeas or jackfruit and cook until tender
Spice level: Use a medium or hot curry paste, or add extra garam masala for warmth
Starch swap: Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of russets for a sweeter profile
Richer sauce: Swap light coconut milk for full-fat or add a tablespoon of yogurt toward the end
Herb garnish: Top with fresh cilantro or mint for a burst of freshness

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Cool fully, then freeze in resealable containers for up to 2 months
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the curry thickens

FAQs

What cut of beef works best?
Stew meat (chuck or round) works well because it becomes tender during the long simmer.

Can I use coconut milk alternatives?
Yes—you can substitute with light cream, yogurt, or dairy-free coconut cream, but texture and taste may vary.

Can I shorten the cooking time?
For quicker cooking, use a pressure cooker (cook for about 35–40 minutes), though slow simmering yields more depth of flavor.

Is this curry spicy?
No—it’s mild using mild curry paste. Increase heat by using a hotter paste or adding chili flakes.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—the flavors deepen when refrigerated for a day. Reheat before serving for best taste.

Can I skip the apple?
You may omit it, though the apple adds a subtle sweetness and dimensional flavor to the sauce.

What sides pair well?
Serve with basmati rice, naan, roti, mango chutney, and refreshing cucumber raita.

Can I adjust thickness?
Yes—reduce coconut milk or cook longer to thicken; add water if it becomes too dry.

Is it freezer-friendly with potatoes?
Yes—but potato texture may soften slightly. For best results, store separately and reheat together.

How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit beef and use chickpeas or tofu, simmering until the potatoes and protein are tender.

Conclusion

Mum’s Savory Beef and Potato Curry is a warming and aromatic dish that combines tender beef, soft potatoes, and fragrant spices in a creamy coconut gravy. Easy to prepare and endlessly comforting, it’s perfect for family dinners or batch cooking. Serve with rice, raita, and chutney to enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness.