If you’ve never tried Qeema, get ready for a flavorful, hearty experience. This classic dish, known for its savory spiced ground meat and rich sauce, is a true comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or just to enjoy something delicious on a cozy night in, Qeema hits the spot every time. With its aromatic blend of spices and tender meat, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Qeema

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table or preparing a meal to share with loved ones, Qeema is the dish you can always count on. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect with naan, rice, or even as a filling for wraps. The possibilities are endless!

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, yet it tastes incredibly rich and indulgent.

Quick and Easy: Despite its deep flavor, Qeema is surprisingly quick to make. You’ll be savoring this dish in no time.

Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to your taste or add vegetables like peas or potatoes to make it even heartier.

Crowd-Pleasing: Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a hit with everyone—whether you’re serving it to friends or family, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients in Qeema

This flavorful dish is made with ground meat and an array of spices that bring it to life. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Meat: Typically made with beef, lamb, or chicken, ground meat is the base of this dish. Beef is most commonly used for its richness, but chicken or lamb work just as well.

Onion: The onion adds a wonderful sweetness and depth to the dish.

Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes create a juicy base for the sauce, giving it the right balance of tanginess and richness.

Garlic and Ginger: These two ingredients form the foundation of the flavor profile, adding warmth and an aromatic kick.

Spices: Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala make the dish flavorful and aromatic. These spices are what give Qeema its signature taste.

Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce, helping to balance the spices.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds brightness and freshness to this rich dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting, flavorful dish:

Heat the Oil: In a large pot or skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Once hot, add finely chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown and fragrant. This step helps build the dish’s flavor.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground meat to the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Let it cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Add the Spices: Once the meat is browned, add your ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.

Add the Tomatoes and Yogurt: Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and soften, about 5-7 minutes. Then add yogurt and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring well to combine everything.

Simmer the Qeema: Add some water (or broth) to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to make sure the meat doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Garnish and Serve: Once the Qeema is cooked to your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Qeema

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dining experience:

Serve it with hot naan or paratha to scoop up all the delicious sauce.
Pair it with basmati rice or any rice of your choice for a more filling meal.
For a lighter option, you can serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you like your Qeema with vegetables, you can add peas, potatoes, or carrots for extra texture and flavor.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, depending on your taste preference.
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
To make this dish even heartier, serve it with a dollop of raita or a side of pickles.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe. It’s a leaner option but will still absorb the spices beautifully.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Qeema tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze Qeema?
Yes, Qeema freezes wonderfully. Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! You can add peas, carrots, or potatoes to the dish while it simmers for extra flavor and texture.

5. How can I make Qeema spicier?
Add extra chili powder or a few sliced green chilies during the cooking process. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.

6. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to use diced or crushed tomatoes for the best result.

7. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?
Make sure to cook the tomatoes down fully before adding the yogurt and water. If the sauce still becomes too watery, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.

8. Can I use store-bought garam masala?
Yes, store-bought garam masala is perfectly fine to use. However, making your own blend at home will give you a more personalized and intense flavor.

9. Can I use bone-in meat instead of ground meat?
Yes! Bone-in meat like chicken thighs or drumsticks can also be used. Just make sure to cook it for longer until the meat is tender and fully cooked.

10. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender.

Conclusion

Qeema is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your stomach with happiness. With its tender meat, aromatic spices, and rich sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying it with naan or rice, or adding your own twist with veggies, this dish will soon become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and make Qeema tonight it’s the kind of meal everyone will love!

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