For the turmeric beef with coriander:

• 5 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
• 2 Tablespoons ground turmeric
• 4 serrano chiles, chopped
• 1 1/2 pound beef stew meat
• 1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 1 quart water
• Salt to taste

For the pulao:

• 3 cups basmati rice
• 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 Teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 Teaspoon grated ginger root
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 Tablespoon whole cumin seed
• 1 Teaspoon turmeric
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 5 3/4 cups water

For the raita:

• 1 quart plain yogurt
• 1/2 Teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 Teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/2 Teaspoon salt

Direction: For the turmeric beef, in a large saucepan, first heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté them until lightly browned. Add the garlic and the ginger to the onions and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add the turmeric and the chilies to the pan and cook 1 minute. Add the beef, chopped coriander, and the water-allow to simmer uncovered until meat is tender, about 1 hour. When the meat is tender, add salt to taste. Keep warm until the pulao and raita are ready.

For the pulao, start by rinsing and draining the rice 3 times to remove starch and debris. When the rice is clean, heat the oil in a stockpot over high heat. Add the onion, the garlic, and the ginger to the pot-cook, stirring constantly, until translucent (not brown), about 2 minutes. Add spices and stir until they have released their aromas, about 2 minutes. Add rice and stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed, cook for 2 minutes. Pour the water over the rice and add the salt-stir well. Let rice boil on medium heat until all liquid is gone. Turn off heat and cover with the pot with a lid. Let stand 20 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.

For the raita, in a glass bowl, add all ingredients to yogurt and stir well to combine.

ENJOY IT