Fahad Inc. Dishes: Fried Ground Beef

Fahad Inc. Dishes

Kheema ~ Fried Ground Beef

This dish originated in India but has become very popular in the UAE. When the early traders arrived from India they would cook kheema and paratha on their boats. The local people soon developed a taste for this typical Indian dish and before long it was adopted as part of the cuisine.
My husband remembers when he and his friends bought kheema from small Indian restaurants which were, by then, established around Dubai, on celebrations such as Eid. However, as it was quite expensive in those days, it was considered a special occasion dish.
Mainly served as an evening meal, kheema may also be used as a sandwich filling in finger rolls, served with paratha rolled up in a chapati, similar to a Mexican burrito. Eaten with the right hand or fingers with flat bread.

2 lbs (950gms) ground beef
2 small potatoes
3 medium onions
3 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons samen
1 cup peas (frozen may be utilised)
2 fresh tomatoes
1 1/2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 bunch corriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon bezar
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon cinammon
3/4 cup water
juice of 2 lemons
salt to taste

Cut potatoes into small chunks. Crush garlic, slice onions and fry in samen until brown. Add meat and brown. Add all spices and fry for a further two minutes, stirring continuously. Add tomatoes, paste, garlic and stir-well. Add water, turn heat to low and cover. Stir occasionally. Cook until all water is absorbed and the mixture quite dry. Add potatoes and peas and chopped coriander. Simmer until potatoes are cooked. Squeeze lemon juice over before serving . Serve hot.