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.

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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.

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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

What makes a good curry? ›

That is why we've formulated some handy tips to give you the confidence to cook your favourite curry, with ease.
  1. 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 is the difference between Durban curry and Cape Malay curry? ›

They can be quite similar; but the way they are seasoned is the differentiating factor. Durban curries tend to be spicier with an emphasis on curry powders and tomatoes, while Cape Malay curries are milder and favours spices like cardamom and cinnamon.

Does curry use rice? ›

While traditionally Jasmine Rice is more commonly used for East Asian curries, Basmati Rice is used for Indian recipes, but use what you prefer best or have most readily available.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

What is the most important ingredient in curry? ›

❤️💯The key ingredient in most Indian curries is a blend of spices known as "masala" or "curry powder". While the specific blend of spices can vary depending on the region and the dish, typical ingredients include turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.

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 oldest curry in the world? ›

We were shocked, too, when we saw Chef Kunal Kapoor's video on the theme in which he informed that through a method called starch analysis, archaeologists identified the world's first-known or oldest curry — baingan curry — made up of aubergine, ginger and turmeric from the shard of a bulbous handi (pot).

What kind of rice is best for curry? ›

For mixed vegetable curry, you might want to pair it with rice varieties that complement the flavors well. Basmati rice is a popular choice as its aromatic nature adds a nice touch to the dish. Alternatively, jasmine rice or long-grain white rice can also work.

What is the liquid used in curry? ›

Wet curries contain significant amounts of sauce or gravy based on broth, coconut cream or coconut milk, dairy cream or yogurt, or legume purée, sautéed crushed onion, or tomato purée.

What is curry and rice called? ›

As the curry is usually served with rice, you would hear the term "curry rice" (カレーライス, karē raisu) mentioned often.

What is the secret ingredient for 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 secret ingredients to a good curry chicken? ›

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger, garlic, Indian tandoori masala, tomato puree, salt, lemon juice and butter. Add the chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

What are the 5 spices in a curry? ›

The Essential Five Spices are:
  • Cumin seeds.
  • Coriander seeds.
  • Black mustard seeds.
  • Cayenne pepper.
  • Turmeric.

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