South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (2024)

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South African Curry and Rice

Anina July 6, 2015 beef, curry, dinner 45 Comments

A comforting, old school South African Curry and Rice recipe! Most definitely the ultimate South African comfort food.The sort of Curry and Rice you would find at the local church bazaar, vessels filled to the rim, topped with fruity Chutney and a tablespoon of coconut. Spread out on tiny tables and accompanied by old smiling ladies with shiny cheeks and dirty aprons.

South African Curry and Rice

Other than at church bazaars and school markets, this South African Curry and Rice is the perfect warming meal to cook when those first blue clouds come tumbling over the African horizon. Then the storm moves like angry boulders and the blistering wind comes rushing through the windows. The wind carries one thing – that unmistakable cent of RAIN. And in an instant, you know, Curry and Rice for dinner!

Back in the day, when the heavens used to open up, a thunderstorm always summoned my mom and gran to the kitchen to deliver (in what feels like minutes) delicious rainy day comfort foods.

South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (1)

The ever popular (pannekoek) pancakes with cinnamon sugar or the mouthwatering “melkkos” with heaps of sugar and butter – I have managed to attach a sort of special memory onto these dishes. A highveld storm…

What Ingredients do you need for South African Curry and Rice

Luckily you don’t have to look for any weather updates, nor do you have to be a local to enjoy this delicious meal. Let’s get to the good stuff…

This version of South African Curry and Rice consists of slow cooked, minced beef in a sweet and spicy curry sauce. Beef mince is such a versatile protein. Here is a little roundup I did a while ago for more ideasfour ways with Beef Mince.

The curry sauce is a simple combination of curry spice (I used Raj sweet and spicy) turmeric, sugar, vinegar, tomato sauce and fruit chutney (Mrs Balls is the best.)

Furthermore, this recipe also has finely chopped carrot and cubes of potatoes cooked to perfection.

It’s usually served with rice, extra chutney, desiccated coconut and sliced bananas.

South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (2)

How To Make South African Curry and Rice

Start off bysautéing the onion with the garlic until fragrant. Next add the mince and work it through with a wooden spoon to brown.

Add a cup of water and cook the meat for about 10 minutes with the lid on. Remember to check it every now and then, and give it a good stir to cook evenly.

Once the meat is brown, add another cup or so of water. This is when you add the carrots and potatoes. It needs to cook in the water you added to the pot, so just check that there is enough liquid. Lid on, and cook for about 10 – 15 minutes until the potatoes and carrots feel soft. Don’t let it cook too dry, so just add a touch more water if you need.

In the meantime you can prepare your sauce by combining the tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, curry powder, turmeric, flour, salt and chutney. Give it a good mix. Pour it into the cooked mince and mix. The flour will cook in the bit of liquid left in the pot and will thicken the sauce. Lastly lower the the heat, and leave to simmer for about 15 minutes.

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Can you freeze Curry and Rice?

Yes, you can most definitely freeze this Curry and Rice. A great idea is to double up this recipe and make it in bulk for a speedy dinner. The curry mince freezes perfectly for up to two months and great to use in a number of ways. You can also freeze your portions by adding your cooked rice at the bottom of the container, topped with curry mince. Simply remove the desired portions in the morning to thaw, and reheat in the microwave.

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Print Recipe

South African Curry and Rice

South African Curry and Rice, the perfect comfort food that consists of slow cooked beef mince in a sweet and spicy curry sauce, with perfectly cooked carrots and potatoes, served on rice.

South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (10)

Votes: 38
Rating: 4.32
You:

Rate this recipe!

Course Main Dish
Cuisine South African
Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 30 min
Servings

servings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef mince
  • 2 onions peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 large carrots peeled and chopped fine
  • 3 potatoes peeled and finely cubed
  • 20 ml tomato sauce
  • 20 ml white vinegar
  • 30 ml brown sugar
  • 9 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fruit chutney or one cup, if you want it less saucy
  • sprigs fresh rosemary chopped
Course Main Dish
Cuisine South African
Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 30 min
Servings

servings

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef mince
  • 2 onions peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
  • 15 ml olive oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 large carrots peeled and chopped fine
  • 3 potatoes peeled and finely cubed
  • 20 ml tomato sauce
  • 20 ml white vinegar
  • 30 ml brown sugar
  • 9 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups fruit chutney or one cup, if you want it less saucy
  • sprigs fresh rosemary chopped

South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (11)

Votes: 38
Rating: 4.32
You:

Rate this recipe!

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan and sauté the onion with the garlic.

  2. Add the mince to pot, brown and add a cup full of water.

  3. Cook the meat for about 10 minutes with the lid on, every now and then giving it a mix and making sure the meat has a little water on it. Don’t let the meat cook dry.

  4. Add the potatoes and carrots, add more water if needed, and cook for another 10 minutes with the lid on, until the potatoes and carrots feel soft.

  5. In a mixing bowl combine the tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, curry powder, turmeric, flour, salt and chutney. Give it a good mix.

  6. Add the sauce to the mince and mix through. Add the rosemary, Lower heat and let it simmer for about 10 - 15 minutes.

  7. Serve with fluffy basmati rice, chutney, coconut and sliced bananas.

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About The Author

South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (15)

anina

Food blogger, Recipe Developer, Food Stylist and Photographer currently living the slow life in Cape Town, South Africa. I love to share easy and delicious recipes the whole family would enjoy.

South African Curry and Rice - aninas recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to make the best curry? ›

Tips for the Perfect Curry
  1. Use fresh spices. For the best results, always try to use fresh spices. ...
  2. Give the spices a toast. ...
  3. Wrap up your whole spices. ...
  4. Blitz your tomatoes. ...
  5. Onions are the key. ...
  6. Don't overcook your chicken. ...
  7. Keep your garlic and ginger fresh. ...
  8. Add exciting toppings.

What makes the best curry? ›

Garlic and ginger are maybe the most-loved ingredients in Indian cuisine. The combination of these two fragrant elements produce an aroma that is an integral part of the many Indian curry sauces, and adds a gorgeous depth and complexity to most of Indian cooking.

What is the difference between Indian curry and Durban curry? ›

Indian curries are usually coloured yellow with turmeric, while Durban curries, which are hotter, are coloured red with tomatoes, chillies and cayenne pepper. Expert curry makers from Durban boast that a typical Durban Masala curry powder has about 12 different ingredients in the blend.

How to make Indian curry better? ›

Fixing cooked curries and gravies is no less than a challenge, but a simple way to do so is by adding freshly chopped herbs like coriander, basil, fenugreek leaves, spinach, mint leaves. The fresh flavour of these herbs can instantly elevate the taste and texture and give them a health twist.

What is the secret ingredient in curry? ›

Whether you may be familiar with the differences between curries from various countries, such as Indian versus Japanese curry, and perhaps even know how to make them at home, there's a special flavor enhancer that you may not have thought to add: honey.

What are the most important spices for curry? ›

The ten essential Indian spices every kitchen should have on hand include cumin, coriander, cloves, cardamom, red chili powder, ginger, mustard seed, fenugreek, turmeric and saffron.

When to add tomatoes to curry? ›

The sequence for meat / chicken curries is:
  1. Whole spices (if not using spice powders)
  2. Onions.
  3. Ginger and garlic paste.
  4. Meat / chicken.
  5. Turmeric, chilly powder and spice powders.
  6. Tomatoes or beaten yoghurt.
  7. Salt.
Dec 6, 2017

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

How to make curry more creamy? ›

To achieve a creamy, tangy curry sauce, incorporate yoghurt or heavy cream. Stir them in gently, as high heat may cause curdling. These ingredients are ideal for creating a luxurious texture in dishes like butter chicken or tikka masala.

Which is the tastiest curry in the world? ›

Panang curry, a Thai delicacy

Smooth and bright red, this Thai curry is a delight. And according to TasteAtlas it is quite simply THE best curry in the world.

Which country curry is best? ›

14 Best Curries around the World
  • Massaman Curry – Thailand. Massaman curry is one of Thailand's most popular dishes, known for its rich and nutty flavour. ...
  • Rogan Josh – India. ...
  • Vindaloo – Portugal. ...
  • Green Curry – Thailand. ...
  • Butter Chicken – India. ...
  • Jamaican Curry – Jamaica. ...
  • Tikka Masala – United Kingdom. ...
  • Goulash – Hungary.

What is the strongest curry? ›

However, when they do, the dish in question must be Phaal curry. Phaal is the hottest curry in the world because it is made from Bhut Jolokia, the world's hottest chilli.

What thickens Indian curry? ›

Pureed Vegetables

Boiled vegetables can be made into a thick paste/ puree and then added to the sauce. Potatoes, squash, carrots, and other root vegetables can be used. The addition of vegetables thickens the curry sauce while reducing the also balancing out the heat of the curry.

Why do you put lemon juice in curry? ›

Why Use Lemon in Recipes? First — and most obviously — lemons add lemony flavor to dishes. As a charter member of the citrus family, the lemon hits both sweet and sour notes. In addition to adding its own distinctive flavor, the acidity of lemon juice and zest sharpens the other flavors in a dish.

What is the secret ingredient in Indian food? ›

Asafoetida is the most simultaneously misunderstood and sublime ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is essentially a gum resin extracted from ferula, an herb in the celery family.

How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›

Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
  1. Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
  2. Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
  3. Use good quality spices. ...
  4. Seasoning. ...
  5. Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
  6. Patience. ...
  7. Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
  8. Experiment.
Jun 24, 2018

Does curry taste better the longer it cooks? ›

Let it cook for as long as possible. Simmering a curry allows time for the flavours to infuse; a long, slow simmering time generally produces the best curry. Flavours will continue to infuse even when the curry is taken off the heat, so do allow time for the curry to “rest” and cool down before serving.

What are the three types of curry? ›

From phal curry based in the UK to madras curry originating from Madras, there are many curry dishes throughout the world with a history as flavorful as the meal itself. Though there are many dishes, curry itself can typically be broken down into three types: red, green, and yellow.

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