Keema matar (Ground Beef/Lamb Curry with Peas) is a very popular Indian/Pakistani (South Asian) recipe. In this recipe ground beef/lamb or chicken is cooked alongside peas and aromatic whole or ground spices, tomatoes and onions to create the most delicious, comforting, hearty and warming one pot curry. It can be served alongside roti, rice, paratha or naan and is ready to eat in an hour.
1tablespoonGinger Paste1 inch Ginger, peeled and crushed
1 ¼tablespoonGarlic Paste7 cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed
1teaspoonGreen Chilli Pasteor 2 Green Chillies, Pierced
1 ½ teaspoonSalt
1teaspoonRed Chilli Powder
1teaspoonKashmiri Chilli PowderOptional
½tsp Turmeric Powder
1 ½teaspoonCoriander Powder
1 ½tsp Cumin Powder
1 ½lbLamb or Beef Mince
2largePlum TomatoesPureed or 250 g Plum Tomato tin
140mlWaterDivided
1teaspoonGaram Masala Powder
1teaspoonBlack Pepper Powder
75gPetis PoisFrozen
Coriander LeavesChopped
Instructions
Heat Oil and Ghee over high heat.
Stir in Onions. Saute till golden brown. About 10 minutes.
Add Ginger, Garlic. Cook for 1 minute till aromatic. Add a splash of Water if needed.
Stir in Green Chilli, Salt, Red Chilli Powder, Kashmiri Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder. Saute for 2–3 minutes.
Add Ground Meat and saute and stir fry the meat on medium high heat (bhuna) till the water has evaporated and the Meat is brown and seared all over. Break the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step known as bhuna takes about 10 - 15 minutes and adds lots of flavour so don’t skip it.
Pour in the Tomatoes and cook for a few minutes on medium high till it begins to simmer. Add half the Water. Then cover and cook on medium low for 10 - 15 minutes.
Add Garam Masala and Black Pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the Peas and stir in. Add remaining Water. Cover again and cook on low for 4-5 minutes, or until the peas are cooked.
Garnish with Coriander.
Notes
How to serve it
Keema is served alongside Roti/Chapatti, Naan, Paratha or Basmati Rice.Serve alongside Raita and Kachumber salad.If you are serving it as part of s spread, I would recommend serving it alongside Daal or a Pulao.Reduce the meat down and use in other recipes such as an Indian Shepherds Pie, for the topping of a pizza, in Jacket Potatoes, in a Keema Pav, in a Keema Toastie with Cheese, over Pasta or in Lasagna.
Variations
Add Potatoes
An easy way to adapt this Keema Recipe is to replace the peas with another veg, such as Potatoes. Peel and Chop Potatoes into quarters. This is a very common veg used in place of peas. Also know as Keema Aloo. (Mince with Potatoes). Potatoes should be added quite early on so they are cooked through. Add them after the Meat has been sautéed and check they are cooked through before serving.
Add Eggs
I love Egg with Keema. Boil some Eggs. Chop in half and wither serve them with the Keema Matar or add to the Curry for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Add Peppers
Add chopped and cubed peppers. These can be added towards the end of cooking time.
Add Chickpeas
Add tinned, drained Chickpeas. You can add these in with the tomatoes.
Stir in Spinach
Stir this through towards the end. Spinach doesn't require much cooking and pretty much wilts immediately.
Use Ground Chicken or Beef instead
If using Chicken, you will need to cook it for less time to avoid it drying out. Beef will take longer to cook.
Storage
How to store keema matar in the fridgeOnce cooled, store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.How to store it in the freezerOnce cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. The peas may lose colour though so if you intend on freezing it, it may be better to remove them beforehand if that will bother you!
Faq's for Keema Matar
How will i know when the keema is cooked?When it comes to any ground meat, the biggest indicator is the colour change. The red/pink meat will turn a pale brown.