This beef curry recipe seems to have a lot of ingredients, but don't let that turn you away.

It is really quite an easy recipe.

Curry recipes tend to have a long list of spices and herbs. Together they add a wonderful mix of flavors that blend perfectly.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped finely
4 garlic cloves, chopped finely
1 tablespoon ginger, chopped finely
2 bay leaves
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
5 cardamom pods or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 pound beef, cut into 1" cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup yogurt
2 tablespoons almonds, finely chopped

Directions:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until they are a light brown. Add the turmeric, cardamom, cumin and coriander. Sauté the mixture for 2 or 3 minutes to let the spices brown slightly, but do not let it burn. Add the ginger, bay leaves, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, and continue to sauté for 1 more minute.

Cube the beef and add it to the pan. Add the ground fennel and salt and sauté, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is almost dry.

Turn the heat to medium-low, stir in the yogurt, and sauté gently until the mixture is fairly dry again. Add 1 cup of water and stir to mix well. Add the finely chopped almonds. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 30 to 35 minutes. Cook a bit longer if needed until the meat is tender.

Remove the cloves to serve.

Serve this delightful beef curry recipe with our homemade mango chutney and a mound of aromatic basmati rice. Heavenly!

Serves 4 to 6.

• You can use whole peppercorns instead of the ground pepper. Use about 8 peppercorns. Remove them before serving. No one wants to bite into a whole peppercorn.
• Use long-grain white rice if you do not have basmati. Basmati rice does have a nice flavor and aroma that is different from regular rice and really suits this beef curry recipe.
• The chopped almonds are optional, but do give the curry a nice crunch and flavor.
• If you like heat, add a few (or several) drops of hot sauce.