Authentic and Delicious Kima: A Traditional Ground Meat Dish From India

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of minced beef
  • 2 cups of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup of chopped onions
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves for garnish
  • 2 green chilies, slit (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until it is browned.
  5. Add the curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder to the pan. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  6. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are fully cooked.
  7. Add salt to taste and the slit green chilies, if using. Stir the mixture well.
  8. Allow the Kima to cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.
  9. Garnish the Kima with the chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - Needed to cook the Kima and sauté the ingredients.
  • Knife - Required for chopping onions and coriander leaves.
  • Cutting board - Used to provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring cups - Necessary to accurately measure the diced tomatoes and chopped onions.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed to measure the spices, such as curry powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder.
  • Grater - Used to grate ginger for the recipe.
  • Stirring spoon - Essential for stirring the ingredients while cooking the Kima.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the minced beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
  • Chicken Kima: Replace the minced beef with minced chicken.
  • Lamb Kima: Swap out the beef for minced lamb.
  • Spicy Kima: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped jalapenos for an extra kick.
  • Vegetable Kima: Add a variety of diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, or potatoes.
  • Coconut Milk Kima: For a creamy twist, substitute some of the diced tomatoes with coconut milk.
  • Herb Infused Kima: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or basil to enhance the flavors.
  • Custom Spice Blend: Create your own unique spice blend by adjusting the quantities or adding your favorite spices.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this delicious and flavorful minced beef recipe known as Kima. This dish, popular in South Asian cuisine, is a great mix of minced beef cooked with a variety of spices and tomatoes, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor profile. Making Kima involves a simple process of sautéing and simmering ingredients until they meld together to create a delightful culinary experience. What's more, it's completely customizable - feel free to adjust the spices to your preference or even add in a few of your own favorites. Once you've tried Kima, it's sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Common questions

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of minced beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for minced beef in this recipe.
  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes. Make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the recipe.
  3. How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit the green chilies.
  4. What can I serve with Kima? Kima pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or even with roti. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
  5. Can I make Kima in advance? Yes, Kima can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving for the best taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to cook the Kima and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon will be used to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Chopping board - A chopping board is necessary for dicing the tomatoes and chopping the onions.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for chopping the onions and dicing the tomatoes.
  • Grater - A grater is used to grate the ginger for the recipe.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups will ensure accurate measurements of ingredients, like diced tomatoes.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary to measure precise amounts of spices, such as curry powder and cumin powder.
  • Serving dish - A serving dish will be used to present the prepared Kima for serving.
  • Garnishing knife - A garnishing knife can be used to chop the coriander leaves for garnish.

Origin stories

Kima, a staple dish of the Indian subcontinent, is a testament to the region's diverse culinary history. Despite its simple ingredients, it beautifully captures the essence of Indian cooking - a perfect harmony of spices, meat, and vegetables. The recipe was born out of necessity during the Mughal reign. The cooks in royal kitchens were tasked with creating a dish that was not only packed with flavors but was also easy to prepare and store for the soldiers. Thus, Kima, a minced meat preparation, came to life. Over time, it transcended the royal kitchens and made its way into the households of common people. The beauty of this dish is that it is versatile and can be adapted to suit individual tastes. Whether it's the heat of chili or the soothing taste of turmeric, every home has its own version of Kima, making it a beloved comfort food across the region.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.