Erachi ularthiyathu/ Kerala Beef fry

Erachi ularthu/ Beef fry is finger licking, lipsmackingly good authentic kerala dish that every Keralite has a nostalgic love. My house used to be wrapped in the aroma of it especially on Sundays , when we kids come back after the church. Usually at my home I never saw them using the tablespoon/ teaspoon measurements when they make Beef fry. it tastes the better the next day,so keep some for next day too.

It could be served with both rice, chapatti or porotta. My son and husband loves eating it as much I love cooking it for them.  

Ingredients:

beef cut into small cubes- 1Kg
garlic (thinly sliced)- 2 tbsp
ginger pieces  (thinly sliced) - 1 tbsp
Coconut slivers/Thenga kothu- 1/2 cup 
Shallots - 10 nos (if not substitute with 2 cups thinly sliced onion) 
curry leaves (optional depending on the availability)- Lots of it
salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Mustard- to sputter

Masala:

Coriander powder -  1.5 tbsp
Red chilly powder - 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
black peppercorns ,fennel seeds (1 tsp), cloves(2#),cardamom pods (2#), Cinnamon sticks (4 pieces)
Star anise (2 nos),Bay leaves (1 no)

Method

*In a large heavy bottomed frying pan, heat the oil, crackle the mustard seeds and add the onions/shallot, sliced ginger and garlic and curry leaves.
Add salt to taste and saute till the onions start to brown.
*Add the Masala (ingredients listed in masala)and dry roast them along with diced coconut, for 3-4 minutes on a medium steady flame , until aromatic and brown.

*To this onion-masala mix , add washed beef and stir well. keep it closed and cook with a tight lid for around 45 minutes . Occasionally stirr the beef to make sure  bottom doesn’t burn.
*Open the lid and cook till the water is evaporated almost completely and you get the nice dark brown coloured Beef fry.

Notes: Some prefer adding a chopped tomato,  while sauteing, but i don't prefer it tangy.
I don't add water, the drained beef has its own water and make sure you use heavy bottomed pan
I don't use pressure cooking either but you can use it to save time.