Minced meat and potato dish in a bowl
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Aloo Keema Recipe (Minced Meat and Potato Curry)

Aloo keema is minced meat cooked with potatoes in a dry, thick masala. It is a weeknight staple that is ready in about an hour and goes well with roti or paratha.

It is a very forgiving recipe that uses a handful of spices.

Why you will like this version

  • Ready in under an hour.
  • A thick masala that goes in roti or paratha.
  • Uses a few simple spices.

What is aloo keema?

Keema means minced meat and aloo means potato. It is a home-cooking dish across Pakistan and North India. It is cooked dry or semi-dry, never soupy.

Ingredients that matter

  • Mince: beef or mutton with 15 to 20 percent fat.
  • Small potato cubes: cut small so they cook with the mince.
  • Yogurt: adds tang and tenderises.

Tips for the best aloo keema

  • Brown the mince well before adding water, breaking up lumps.
  • Cook until the oil separates for a rich flavour.
  • Cover while the potatoes cook so they steam through.

Aloo Keema Recipe (Minced Meat and Potato Curry)

Aloo Keema Recipe (Minced Meat and Potato Curry)

A quick Pakistani aloo keema with beef or mutton mince and potatoes in a thick, spiced tomato masala.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g beef or mutton mince
  • 0.5 cup oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 2 medium potatoes small cubes
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 3 green chilies chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh coriander chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Add the onions and fry until golden, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add the ginger garlic paste, then the mince. Break up the lumps and cook on high heat for 8 to 10 minutes until browned.
  3. Add the tomatoes, yogurt, chili powder, coriander, turmeric and salt. Cook for 10 minutes until the oil separates.
  4. Add the potatoes and 0.5 cup hot water. Cover and cook on low for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Stir in garam masala, green chilies and coriander. Serve with roti or paratha.

Notes

Keema tastes even better the next day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken mince?

Yes, but it cooks faster. Reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes.

How do I make it less dry?

Add 0.5 cup hot water with the potatoes.

Can I add peas?

Yes, add 1 cup frozen peas with the potatoes.

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