Spiced Ground Meat/Kheema

Kheema is a very popular dish all over northern India. In the cities, it is sold at stands in the streets and is often eaten as a quick snack or lunch. In its basic ingredients, kheema is similar to the hamburger casseroles often served in Western homes, but the Indian spices give it a uniquely
rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground lamb(1/2 kg ground meat)
• 1 tbsp. garam masala  or 1 tsp. each pepper,ground cloves, and ground cumin 
• 1/2 tsp. salt 
• 3 tbsp. vegetable oil 
• 1/2 medium onion,thinly sliced 
• 3 cloves garlic,chopped 
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger 
• 3 cardamom pods 
• 1 stick cinnamon 
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped 
• 1 cup water 
• 1 green chili, chopped 
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 
• 1 10-oz. package frozen peas,thawed, or 1 17-oz. can green peas, 
• drained fresh coriander for garnish

Method:

• In a bowl, mix together meat, garam masala, and salt.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon and fry about 5 minutes, or until onions turn brown. Add meat mixture and stir until meat is completely brown.
• Add potatoes and water, lower heat, and simmer about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and liquid has cooked off.
• Add chili, tomatoes, and peas and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes to heat through.
• Remove skillet from heat. Remove cardamom pods and cinnamon stick from skillet. Garnish kheema with coriander leaves and serve steaming hot.

Preparation time: 15 to 20 minutes 

Cooking time: 45 minutes 

Serves 6 to 8