Beef Fry (Olathiythu)

 INGREDIENTS

      FOR BEEF IN PRESSURE COOKER

• 1 lb Beef
• 1/2 Big Onion sliced thin
• 2tsp. Ginger paste
• 2tsp. Garlic paste
• 2 Green chilly (More for spicy)
• 1 stalk Curry leaves
• 1 tbsp. Coriander powder
• 1/2 tbsp. Chilly powder

      FOR FRYING PAN

• 1/2 Big Onion sliced thin
• 2tsp. Ginger paste
• 2tsp. Garlic paste
• 2 Green chilly (More for spicy)
• 1 stalk Curry leaves1 tsp.
• 2tsp Coriander powder
• 2tsp Chilly powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• 4 tbsp Coconut Oil (or Vegetable Oil)

METHOD

     PRESSURE COOKING

1. Beef should be thawed to room temperature if taken out from the freezer.
2. Cut the beef into small cubes (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch), wash and drain a few minutes.
3. Cook the beef In a pressure cooker, adding all ingredients listed in the first section.
4. Cook until cooker steams two times.
5. Turn off the stove. (don't pour water on cooker to dissipate steam instantly)
6. Cool for about 30 minutes for steam to subside before safely opening cooker.

     FRYING (OLATHU)

1. In a large frying pan add oil and heat
2. Fry half diced onion and curry leaves until onion turns light brown.
3. Add 2tsp. each of the ginger and garlic paste and fry for a minute.
4. Add chillies, curry leaves, turmeric and garam masala.
5. Fry a minute or until the mix thickens and you can smell a good aroma emanating from the pan.
6. Add beef with all the watery gravy from the cooker into the frying pan and mix well.
7. Turn down the stove to medium heat so the beef fries slowly.
8. Stir only occasionally so you don't disintegrate the beef into strands.
9. Wait till the gravy in the beef thickens. Approximately 5 minutes should be enough.
10. Don't thicken too much. Note that after you turn off the stove, the gravy will thicken twice as much when it cools down. When you serve the beef it should be moist, not dry.
11. Fry some curry leaves at some time separately and keep aside for garnishing.
12. Garnish with fried curry leaves and serve hot.
13. If reheating later, reheat in a pan with a tablespoon of heated oil (don't microwave)