Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu/ Beef with Unripe Banana

Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu is a classic Beef preparation in Kerala, with Beef and Kaya (unripe Banana) cooked in a deliciously spicy gravy. The tender juicy Beef and the green Kaya (unripe Banana) pieces makes this dish super delicious. Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu is like a two in one Bonanza; the flavorful Beef pieces and the delightful Banana to munch in between!

As we are reducing the red meat intake due to health reasons, instead of Beef Ularthiyathu, Beef Pepper FryNadan Beef Curry or Pork Roast, I try to add vegetables with Beef or Pork, to control the calories, without compromising on the taste. In fact, I remember my mummy saying that our Ammachi, my granny, used to make a variety of “Beef Veg combo”to feed her army of Boys! Of course, feeding six boys must have been a huge challenge for her. So, all my Irachi / Beef and vegetables combo recipes like Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu, Beef Kadachakka curry, Beef with Mushrooms, Beef and Beetroot curry, Pork with koorka, meatball curry, chicken with potatoes and Veal/ Beef stew etc. are dedicated to my sweet smiling Ammachi. God Bless her sweet soul!

Most of the Keralites can relate to this delicious combination. Another popular combinations are Pork and Koorkka, Beef and Potato, Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu, is a very popular dish, especially in Thrissur side where it is also prepared with roasted coconut paste. In Thrissur side,raw plantain or Unripe Banana pieces dominate the dish with little Beef, while in other places meat pieces are more and Banana pieces are used frugally. Banana has lot of health benefits and is full of fiber and Pottassium. You might also like my “Kaya Ularthiyathu” and “Koorkka Mezhukkupuratti” recipe.

Since the season of Advent is around the corner, thought I will post this recipe for all meat lovers to enjoy, before the start of abstinence. The sight of green Banana skin in the thick Beef gravy has already got me drooling! So, here is the recipe for Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu, in Nadan Kerala Style!

Ingredients:

Beef: ½ kg
Small Onion: 8 nos.
Garlic: 8-10 cloves
Ginger: 1’ piece
Curry leaves: 2 sprigs
Green Chilly: 1 no.
Coriander Powder: 1 tbsp
Red Chilli Powder: 2 tsp
Turmeric Powder: ½ tsp
Garam Masala Powder: 1 tsp
Vinegar: 1 ½ tbsp
Onion: 2 nos.(medium)/ or 1 big
Ginger Garlic paste: ½ tsp
Kaya (Unripe Banana): 2 nos.
Curry leaves: 2 sprigs
Turmeric Powder: ½ tsp
Chili Powder: ½ tsp
Pepper Powder: ½ tsp
Garam Masala Powder: ½ tsp

Method:

Soak the Unripe Bananas in water with a pinch of turmeric for 10 minutes. Cut the ends, peel off the ridges of Banana and leave the rest of the skin (take out black patches, if any). Chop them into cubes and soak them in water. Keep aside. Clean the Beef pieces thoroughly and drain. Chop the ginger, slice the small onions, garlic. Mix the beef with ginger, garlic, small onions, curry leaves, Chili, Coriander, Turmeric and Garam Masala Powders, Salt and Vinegar. Add half a glass of water and cook the beef till medium soft. Keep aside.

Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana

Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana

Slice the onions. Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add curry leaves first, then sliced onions, and fry till limp. Add the ginger garlic paste and sauté for some more time.

Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana

Then add chili, turmeric, pepper, Garam Masala powders and fry. Put the Banana cubes and roast for two minutes stirring continuously.  Now, add the cooked Beef with water to the Banana and mix well. If the gravy is not enough, add little water, adjust salt and pressure cook till one whistle.

Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu / Beef with UnRiped Banana

Remove from fire. Once the pressure goes, stir well and heat the cooker without the lid, to get the correct gravy consistency. The delicious Nadan style Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu is ready. Yummy!!

Serve with:

Beef Kaya Ularthiyathu is great with Rice. It can go with Appam or Idiyappam as well, but since it has little gravy, it is best served with Rice.

Tips:

  • Vinegar tenderizes the meat. You may add a tomato instead.
  • The spice measure mentioned here is above medium spicy, if you want it spicier, please increase the quantity of Chili powder or green chili.
  • Beef with little fat is best for this recipe.
  • Leave most of the Banana skin as it adds to the taste.
  • The gravy should be thickly coated, so add water accordingly.
  • Check how to make Garam Masala at home for better results and aroma.
  • Beef should not be over cooked at first, as we cook the Beef again with raw Banana. This double cooking ensures perfect softness and add to flavors.
  • Coconut oil is best for this recipe as it adds to the Nadan taste and flavors!

Please try and let me know if you like it. God Bless!!

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