Keema curry recipe

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Our keema curry takes 30 minutes to make and is so tasty, you won’t be tempted to order a takeaway.

Keema curry
(Image credit: Future)
  • healthy
Serves4
SkillEasy
Preparation Time5 mins
Cooking Time25 mins
Total Time30 mins
Cost RangeCheap
Nutrition Per PortionRDA
Calories363 Kcal18%
Sugar5 g6%
Fat23 g33%
Salt0.6 gRow 3 - Cell 2
Protein21 g42%
Carbohydrates14 g5%
Salt0.6 gRow 6 - Cell 2

This keema curry is 363 calories per portion and has 25 minutes of cooking time. 

Lamb mince is the foundation to this delicious keema and it brings so much flavour. Mince is an affordable cut and while you could use chicken, beef or pork mince here, it will have a different final flavour 

Ingredients

  • 2tsp sunflower oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic, crushed
  • 3cm piece fresh ginger, chopped
  • 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped
  • 1tbsp garam masala
  • 1tsp each ground cumin, coriander
  • Pinch turmeric
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 500g lamb mince
  • 100g petits pois or garden peas
  • Small handful fresh coriander

WEIGHT CONVERTER

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Method

  1. Heat a pan with 1tsp of the oil and gently cook the onion, garlic, ginger, chilli and spices for 10-12 mins, until softened and fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook for a further 5-6 mins. Tip into a blender and whizz until smooth.
  2. Heat the remaining oil in the same pan and fry the lamb mince over a high heat, breaking up as you cook to prevent big lumps. Reduce the heat, then pour over the spice mix and simmer, covered, for 15 mins.
  3. Add the peas for the final 5 mins. Top with fresh coriander and serve with steamed basmati rice, naan bread and mango chutney.

Top tips for making this keema curry 

If you don’t have all the individual spices, use 1 tbsp garam masala or 1 tbsp mild curry paste or powder according to taste.

How to store keema curry?

If you have any leftovers, cool it down and store in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot. You can also freeze the curry. Use within a month and defrost before reheating. 

How to serve keema curry?

You can enjoy keema with rice and breads if you like. Some non-traditional but equally tasty ideas are to enjoy it as a jacket potato topping or slathered onto bread and topped with cheese for a delicious toastie. 

What does keema mean?

Keema means minced meat in Urdu. Usually, when you see keema on your typical Indian takeaway menu in Britain, it will be referring to minced lamb or mutton. But it can also be used to describe goat meat or even beef, so it's worth checking.

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Jessica Ransom

“I always have a stash of frozen peas in my freezer as it’s one of the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to boost the veg content of any dinner.”

For this recipe you’ll need to blitz the ingredients from step one into a smooth sauce. You can do this in a food processor but you might find a stick blender and a jug easier. 

Ninja Foodi 2-in-1 Hand Blender & Hand Mixer - View at Amazon 

Ninja Foodi 2-in-1 Hand Blender & Hand Mixer - View at Amazon 

We think this Nina 2-in-1 is a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re low on space, because it’s both a stick blender and an electric mixer. These two very versatile tools will come in handy whether you are making soup, whipping cream, baking cakes and so much more.

Serve with Peshwari naan bread, pilau rice and Bombay potatoes for a full feast. Of if you fancy something different, try Wagamama's classic Katsu curry recipe 

Senior Content Editor: Good to Know About me Hi there, I’m Nic Hopkirk – senior content editor for Good to Know. I’m a lifestyle journalist who has worked across newspapers and digital for nearly 20 years. After studying English Literature at Bristol University, I began my journalism career on local newspapers in South East London and Kent, before moving on to digital media at Emap. Since then I’ve worked for the Evening Standard, Daily Mail and MSN, where I was the Managing Editor for the Lifestyle group of channels for several years. After my two boys were born I decided to go freelance and have written for Good to Know, Woman, Woman & Home and Global Radio, as well as Marks & Spencer and Holland & Barrett. My specialist subjects Since becoming a mum, I’ve become a specialist in the subject areas of pregnancy, labour - and of course days out and activities with the kids. I am constantly on the look out for fun new things to do with my boys and while a true Londoner,  I also love going out to the countryside and exploring green open spaces. I’ve become a member of pretty much every organisation I can think of to enjoy time in the great outdoors together as a family and my purse is packed with membership cards for the National Trust, English Heritage, Kew, Royal Palaces - you name it. I also love a good outing to a castle, so naturally I’m also a member of our two nearest establishments - Leeds and Hever. I love cycling to work and when I get some me-time I also love a good shop - most of which is done online these days! I’m really looking forward to sharing all of my knowledge with Good to Know’s readers.
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