Fragrant Beef Massaman Curry

Peel and finely slice 1 [2] brown onion[s], peel and chop the remaining onion into wedges

Heat a pot with a matching lid with 4 tbsp [8 tbsp] vegetable oil over a high heat

Once hot, add the sliced onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 min, stirring regularly until golden and crispy

Once done, set the fried onions aside on kitchen paper, reserve the pot

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick with a matching lid) with a drizzle of vegetable oil over a very high heat

Once very hot, add the beef strips with a pinch of salt and cook for 1-2 min or until browned on both sides

Tip: Try not to stir the beef too much as this will prevent it from browning!

Once done, transfer the beef strips to a plate to rest

Boil half a kettle

Return the beef pan to a medium heat with the onion wedges and cook for 3-4 min or until beginning to soften

Meanwhile, peel (scrape the skin off with a teaspoon) and finely chop (or grate) the ginger

Remove the coconut cream from the sachet[s] and chop it roughly

Add the chopped ginger to the pan with the ground cinnamon, Thai red curry paste, lime leaves and coconut cream

Add 300ml [550ml] boiled water and bring to the boil over a high heat

Chop the potatoes (skins on) into small bite-sized pieces

Crush the cardamom pods open by squashing them with the side of a knife

Add the chopped potatoes to the pan with the cardamom pods, fish sauce and 1 tsp [2 tsp] sugar

Stir everything together and reduce the heat to medium

Cook, covered, for 25-30 min or until the potatoes are tender and the curry is fragrant

Once done, remove the pan from the heat and stir through the rested beef strips – this is your beef massaman curry

Whilst the curry is cooking, carefully wipe any remaining oil from the reserved onion pot

Add the basmati rice to the pot with 250ml [500ml] cold water and bring to the boil over a high heat

Once boiling, reduce the heat to very low and cook, covered, for 10-12 min or until all the water has absorbed and the rice is cooked

Once cooked, remove from the heat and keep covered until serving