Spiced Citrus Braised Beef Cheeks with Fragrant Turmeric Rice
Slow-cooked beef cheeks infused with zesty citrus flavors, elevated by aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger. The tender meat is simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, creating a harmonious balance of tanginess and warmth. Serve over fragrant turmeric rice, prepared with a medley of spices, to elevate this dish to new levels of culinary delight.
ingredients
- 1.5 lb beef cheeks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon or lime
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or vinegar of choice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
steps
- 1.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Season the beef cheeks with salt, pepper, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and the zest of the lemon or lime. Add the cheeks to the skillet and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- 2.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, bell peppers, onion, celery, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 3.
Return the seared beef cheeks to the skillet, add diced tomatoes, lemon or lime juice, red wine vinegar, and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 4-5 hours until the beef cheeks become tender and easily fall apart.
- 4.
Meanwhile, prepare fragrant turmeric rice by cooking 2 cups of basmati rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Sauté the spices for a minute, then add the cooked rice and stir to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
- 5.
Before serving, adjust the seasoning if needed and garnish the beef cheeks with fresh cilantro. Serve the spiced citrus braised beef cheeks over the fragrant turmeric rice.
