Granny's Malaysian Meatball Curry

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs ground beef
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onions
• 2-3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• salt and pepper
• 2 onions, peeled and roughly chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3/4 inch fresh ginger, peeled and roughly sliced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons malaysian curry powder
• 1/2-1 teaspoon hot ground pure chile powder (or more or less to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 star anise
• 8 fresh curry leaves
• 1 cup coconut milk, mixed with
• 1 cup water
• 1 large potato, peeled and cut into medium-sized cubes
• 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
• salt

Directions

1. 1

   Prepare all ingredients before commencing to cook.

2. 2

   In a medium-large bowl, combine the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped spring onion and cilantro, with salt and pepper to taste, and place to one side.

3. 3

   Grind onion, garlic and ginger to a paste with a stick blender or in a small food processor.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine Malaysian curry powder, chili powder, ground cloves and a little water, to make a paste.

5. 5

   Heat the oil over a medium-high flame in a wok, add onion paste, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the curry paste, star anise, cloves, curry leaves, reduce heat to medium, and stir fry until quite toasted and the oil starts to ooze out: this can take 5 – 10 minutes, but be careful not to burn.

7. 7

   Add coconut milk and bring slowly to the boil.

8. 8

   While curry liquid is boiling start making and dropping in bite sized meatballs - stop occasionally and stir gently.

9. 9

   When all meatballs have been added, add tomato paste and salt to taste.

10. 10

    Simmer, covered, on medium heat for 10 minutes, adding a little extra water as necessary.

11. 11

    Add potato and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, again adding a little water if necessary.

12. 12

    Serve with bread, roti chani, roti jala or steamed rice.