Authentic and Flavorful Qeema (Minced Meat) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of minced meat (lamb or beef)
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons of red chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of garam masala
  • 1 cup of green peas
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
  3. Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  4. Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add the minced meat to the pan and cook until it turns brown.
  6. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well.
  7. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes become soft.
  8. Add the green peas to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Lower the heat and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and chopped cilantro over the qeema. Mix well.
  11. Serve the qeema hot with naan or rice.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - Used for cooking the qeema.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Chopping board - Used for chopping the onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and cilantro.
  • Knife - Used for chopping the vegetables and meat.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for measuring the required amounts of spices.
  • Vegetable peeler - Used for peeling the ginger and garlic.
  • Cooking spoon - Used for mixing and stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Cover or lid - Used to cover the pan while simmering the qeema.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the minced meat with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped jalapenos for an extra kick.
  • Paneer Qeema: Substitute the minced meat with crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian paneer qeema.
  • Chicken Qeema: Swap out the beef or lamb with minced chicken for a lighter alternative.
  • Egg Qeema: Add boiled and chopped eggs to the qeema for a protein-rich variation.
  • Veggie Qeema: Enhance the dish by adding a variety of finely chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
  • Herb-infused Qeema: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like mint, coriander, or parsley for added freshness and flavor.

Recipe overview

This is an authentic recipe for Qeema – a savory, spiced minced meat dish popular in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent. The dish is a flavorful blend of minced meat (your choice of lamb or beef) cooked with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a variety of aromatic spices. The addition of green peas adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the dish. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The Qeema is best served hot with naan or rice. Once you try making this flavorful, aromatic Qeema, it's sure to become a favorite in your home kitchen. Enjoy the journey of creating this delightful dish!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook qeema? Qeema takes approximately 45 minutes to cook.
  2. Can I use chicken instead of lamb or beef? Yes, you can substitute minced chicken for lamb or beef in this recipe.
  3. Can I omit the green peas? Yes, you can omit the green peas if you prefer.
  4. Can I use ground spices instead of whole cumin seeds? Yes, you can use ground cumin instead of whole cumin seeds. The quantity needed would be 1 teaspoon.
  5. Is it necessary to cover the pan while simmering? Yes, covering the pan helps in trapping the heat and cooking the qeema evenly.
  6. Can I add more spices if I prefer a spicier qeema? Yes, you can adjust the spice levels according to your taste by increasing the amount of red chili powder or adding additional spices like black pepper.
  7. Can I garnish the qeema with something other than cilantro? Yes, if you're not a fan of cilantro, you can garnish the qeema with fresh mint leaves or chopped parsley instead.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Large Pan - Used for cooking the qeema and sautéing the ingredients.
  • Knife - Used for chopping the onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
  • Cutting Board - Provides a sturdy surface for chopping the vegetables and meat.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used for measuring the precise amounts of spices.
  • Serving Dish - Used for presenting the cooked qeema at the dining table.
  • Naan or Rice - Common accompaniments for serving with qeema.
  • Garnish - Optional items like sliced onions, lemon wedges, or fresh cilantro for garnishing the qeema.

Origin stories

Qeema, also known as Keema, is a flavorful minced meat dish that has its roots in the rich culinary tapestry of the Indian subcontinent. It's believed to have been introduced during the Mughal Empire, which spanned the 16th to 19th centuries, and was heavily influenced by Persian cuisine. The word "Qeema" itself is derived from the Turkish word "kıyma", which means minced meat. This dish has since been adopted and adapted across various regions, each adding their unique spin to it. For instance, in the north of India, Qeema is often prepared as a dry dish, while in the south, it is typically served as a soup. Despite its many variations, at its heart, Qeema remains a comforting dish that captures the essence of shared meals and warm hospitality, a testament to its enduring popularity.

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.