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Easy mince curry recipe for a budget-friendly family dinner

Gerry Cupido|Published
Mince curry is one of those meals that always seems to find its way onto the dinner table.

Mince curry is one of those meals that always seems to find its way onto the dinner table.

Image: Instagram / all_about_food_16

Mince curry is one of those comforting meals that always seems to find its way onto the dinner table when you need something affordable, filling and packed with flavour.

As the middle of the month rolls around and budgets start feeling a little tighter, many households begin looking for supper ideas that can stretch without sacrificing taste. That is where mince curry comes into its own.

Mince is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in the freezer. It is often the first thing many South Africans add to their shopping trolley because it can be transformed into everything from burgers and meatballs to pasta sauces and bobotie.

When you are not quite sure what to cook, mince is usually a safe bet.

With a few pantry staples and some vegetables, you can turn a simple pack of mince into a hearty meal that comfortably feeds the whole family.

And during the colder months, there are few dishes more satisfying than a steaming pot of mince curry bubbling away on the stove.

Part of the appeal is how versatile the dish is when it comes to serving options.

Spoon it over fluffy rice, wrap it in a soft roti, use it as a filling for vetkoek or simply enjoy it with fresh bread to soak up every last bit of the rich curry sauce.

Mince curry is the perfect vetkoek filling.

Mince curry is the perfect vetkoek filling.

Image: File

The addition of potatoes helps bulk up the meal, making it even more economical.

While some South Africans will passionately debate whether peas belong in a mince curry, they remain a popular addition in many Cape Malay kitchens, adding colour, texture and a touch of sweetness to the dish.

This traditional Cape Malay-style mince curry recipe comes from the late Fatima Sydow, whose recipes continue to bring families together around the dinner table.

Cape Malay Mince Curry Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1kg steak mince
  • 3 onions, peeled and finely chopped
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 curry leaves
  • 3 tablespoons fresh garlic and ginger, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 3 tablespoons roasted masala
  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup peas
  • 3 tablespoons fresh coriander, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons oil

Method

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium to high heat.
  • Add the onions, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks and curry leaves. Fry until the onions are golden and fragrant.
  • Add the mince along with the garlic and ginger. Braise for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Pour in one cup of warm water and cook over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Add the turmeric, roasted masala, chilli powder and salt. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring regularly and adding a little water when needed to prevent the spices from sticking or burning.
  • Add the potatoes and two cups of warm water. Allow the curry to simmer until the potatoes are almost tender.
  • Stir in the peas and cook for a further eight to 10 minutes.
  • Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander before serving.
  • Serve hot with rice, roti, vetkoek or fresh bread.

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