Entree: Bangladesh – Sylhet – বিফ ভুনা ➤ Bif Bhuna (Dry, highly spiced Bengali-style beef curry with a deeply browned masala and reduced gravy)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 1 hr 10 min

Total 1 hr 35 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) mustard oil or vegetable oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced (approx. 18 oz (510 g) total)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) ginger paste or finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp (15 g) garlic paste or minced garlic
- 2 fresh green chilies, slit (optional)
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (approx. 10 oz (285 g))
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain yogurt, whisked
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp (9 g) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (4 g) Kashmiri red chili powder or regular paprika for color and mild heat
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) garam masala
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick (2 inches) (5 g)
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 tbsp (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves; fry 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes. Remove half the onions and set aside for garnish.
3. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the pot; sauté 1–2 minutes until raw aroma fades.
4. Add beef cubes and increase heat to sear, stirring to brown all sides for 6–8 minutes.
5. Stir in turmeric, ground coriander, cumin, and chili powder; cook 2–3 minutes to toast the spices and coat the beef.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and whisked yogurt; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and liquid reduces.
7. If the sauce is too wet near the end, increase heat and cook uncovered, stirring, until the oil separates and masala clings to the beef (bhuna style). Adjust salt and add sugar if needed.
8. Stir in garam masala, reserved caramelized onions, and chopped cilantro; cook 1–2 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread.